Synonyms of punishments

punishments

noun

plural of punishment

as in penalties

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

• penalties
• wraths
• sentences
• chastisements
• corrections
• disciplines
• castigations
• deserts
• retributions
• condemnations
• fines
• comeuppances
• reprimands
• reprisals
• nemeses
• retaliations
• revenges
• vengeances
• assessments
• criticisms
• examples
• imprisonments
• charges
• mulcts
• incarcerations
• censures
• confinements
• denouncements
• reproofs
• rebukes
• damnations

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• pardons
• indemnities
• exemptions
• amnesties
• paroles
• immunities
• vindications
• acquittals
• exonerations
• releases
• commutations
• exculpations
• reprieves
• remissions
• impunities
• absolutions
• disregards
• remitments
• condonations

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of punishments

The zaobanchu during Qianlong’s reign comprised nearly one thousand artisans, who worked out of fear to serve the demands of the insatiable emperor who would sometimes dole out severe punishments, like taking away a year’s salary. — Stephy Chung, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

The Ethics Committee has the power to investigate violations of federal law and House rules, and can recommend punishments for members who are found to have committed them. — Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026

Judges are free to ignore sentencing guidelines, which are intended to reduce disparities in punishments levied for the same crimes. — ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026

On January 20m, 2026, NBC News reported that with the pardons in 2025, the financial crimes pardons represented hundreds of millions in punishments that would now disappear. — Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

The staggered nature of Southampton’s punishments has contributed to a curious situation. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Such measures rely on the carceral assumption that harsher punishments will deter violence, despite strong evidence to the contrary. — Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2026

But the players argue the NCAA is using the transfer portal, and especially potential punishments for schools and coaches who recruit players outside of portal windows, to undermine the injunction. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Thursday’s decree says the punishments don’t apply to ideological disagreement or political, academic or civic criticism protected under Argentina’s Constitution. — Isabel Debre, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026