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

Once the player effectively ignored the coach's messages, Spencer allegedly became angry and cut her playing time as punishment, the complaint claims. — Chantz Martin Outkick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026

Notable Gillian Zucker, Clippers team president, was also penalized for her role as a witness whose report contradicted physical evidence, highlighting the broad scope of the NBA’s punishments following the investigation, The Athletic reported. — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 3 Sep. 2026

That charge would likely carry a far less severe punishment if he were convicted. — Megan Rose, ProPublica, 3 Sep. 2026

But together, Leonard and the team made history with Wednesday’s punishment. — Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026