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
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Recent Examples of punishments
Noem’s departure had the jokes rolling in, with several hosts proposing possible punishments for Noem, who has faced several weeks of public scrutiny, personal scandal, and bad press.
—
Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2026
But legal punishments must align with human rights laws.
—Leila Fadel, NPR, 5 Mar. 2026
Some countries have laws administer what critics believe are cruel punishments or place undue restrictions on women and minorities.
—Rachel Royster
updated March 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2026
For the first time, the punishments would apply to certain misdemeanor offenses and offenses motivated by political hostility.
—Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 3 Mar. 2026
The punishments it details have already been widespread in Afghanistan, but this is the first time that they have been so clearly codified since the United States and its allies withdrew from the country in August 2021, allowing the Taliban to return to power.
—Mick Krever, CNN Money, 1 Mar. 2026
There is a real concern that what remains of the system may seek revenge for these events, targeting prisoners and political activists who are still outside prison, detaining them, and subjecting them to executions or severe punishments.
—Cora Engelbrecht, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026
Ejehi has become the face of Iran’s recent crackdown, calling for the fast-tracking of punishments for protesters.
—ABC News, 27 Feb. 2026
Enhancements result in harsher punishments for the charges, such as extra prison time.
—Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2026
But legal punishments must align with human rights laws.
—Leila Fadel, NPR, 5 Mar. 2026
Some countries have laws administer what critics believe are cruel punishments or place undue restrictions on women and minorities.
—Rachel Royster
updated March 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2026
For the first time, the punishments would apply to certain misdemeanor offenses and offenses motivated by political hostility.
—Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 3 Mar. 2026
The punishments it details have already been widespread in Afghanistan, but this is the first time that they have been so clearly codified since the United States and its allies withdrew from the country in August 2021, allowing the Taliban to return to power.
—Mick Krever, CNN Money, 1 Mar. 2026
There is a real concern that what remains of the system may seek revenge for these events, targeting prisoners and political activists who are still outside prison, detaining them, and subjecting them to executions or severe punishments.
—Cora Engelbrecht, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026
Ejehi has become the face of Iran’s recent crackdown, calling for the fast-tracking of punishments for protesters.
—ABC News, 27 Feb. 2026
Enhancements result in harsher punishments for the charges, such as extra prison time.
—Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punishments
penalties
Noun
-
Under new rules for SheBelieves Cup, the match went straight to penalties.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 Mar. 2026
-
The Warriors were whistled for seven penalties in the second period, and that eventually cost them.—
Jim Hoehn,
Twin Cities,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Punishments.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punishments. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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