Synonyms of punishment

punishment

noun

ˈpə-nish-mənt 

as in penalty

suffering, loss, or hardship imposed in response to a crime or offense

he is serving five years in prison as punishment for aggravated assault

Synonyms & Similar Words

• penalty
• wrath
• sentence
• chastisement
• discipline
• castigation
• correction
• comeuppance
• condemnation
• retribution
• nemesis
• retaliation
• revenge
• reprimand
• vengeance
• desert(s)
• reprisal
• fine
• criticism
• imprisonment
• assessment
• example
• confinement
• incarceration
• damnation
• censure
• charge
• rebuke
• mulct
• denouncement
• reproof

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• parole
• indemnity
• pardon
• amnesty
• vindication
• acquittal
• exemption
• immunity
• exoneration
• impunity
• release
• exculpation
• forgiveness
• commutation
• remission
• reprieve
• absolution
• disregard
• condonation
• remitment
• overlooking

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of punishment

While talking with reporters Monday, Chiefs coach Andy Reid said benching left guard Kingsley Suamataia in Sunday’s 28-24 loss to the Broncos wasn’t a punishment. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026

Some education and technology advocates slammed the decision on Tuesday morning, painting the move as a punishment for schools that don’t use Google’s AI. — Jared Perlo, NBC news, 3 Nov. 2026

But the lethality of deportation, an agent’s primary tool for punishment, deserves recasting. — Francisco Cantú, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026

Her background did not excuse her conduct, Martinez argued, but should weigh in her punishment. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026