as in reparation
payment to another for a loss or injury
a peace agreement that was rejected because it contained no provisions for reprisals
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Recent Examples of reprisals
His June assault on Iran’s nuclear facilities had two carrier groups in the region, more there as a counter-weight to any Iranian reprisals than to be directly involved in the attack.
—
Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026
There wasn’t even a bit of magic reserved for either of its stars, despite both Erivo and Grande scoring Globes nominations for their reprisals, and the latter also being tapped for a Critics Choice Award.
—Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2026
One pet shop owner in Tehran, who spoke on the condition of anonymity like others for fear of reprisals, said his business had fallen by 90% since the protests.
—Elena Becatoros, Arkansas Online, 20 Jan. 2026
Eyewitness accounts are scant, and those who do report on the situation usually do so anonymously for fear of reprisals.
—Alexander Smith, NBC news, 16 Jan. 2026
Tehran has threatened the US with reprisals were it to be attacked, alongside conciliatory signals, including the suspension of a protester’s execution.
—Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 15 Jan. 2026
The post-protest reprisals are meant to frighten people into silence.
—Elizabeth Palmer, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026
The employees spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.
—Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 13 Jan. 2026
Several Bay Area Venezuelans with temporary status contacted by this news organization declined to identify themselves, citing fear of reprisals from remnants of Venezuela’s government, which has a history of targeting political opponents.
—Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026
There wasn’t even a bit of magic reserved for either of its stars, despite both Erivo and Grande scoring Globes nominations for their reprisals, and the latter also being tapped for a Critics Choice Award.
—Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2026
One pet shop owner in Tehran, who spoke on the condition of anonymity like others for fear of reprisals, said his business had fallen by 90% since the protests.
—Elena Becatoros, Arkansas Online, 20 Jan. 2026
Eyewitness accounts are scant, and those who do report on the situation usually do so anonymously for fear of reprisals.
—Alexander Smith, NBC news, 16 Jan. 2026
Tehran has threatened the US with reprisals were it to be attacked, alongside conciliatory signals, including the suspension of a protester’s execution.
—Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 15 Jan. 2026
The post-protest reprisals are meant to frighten people into silence.
—Elizabeth Palmer, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026
The employees spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.
—Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 13 Jan. 2026
Several Bay Area Venezuelans with temporary status contacted by this news organization declined to identify themselves, citing fear of reprisals from remnants of Venezuela’s government, which has a history of targeting political opponents.
—Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprisals
Noun
-
None of the victims or their descendants received any direct reparations from the city or state.—
Caleb Gayle,
The Atlantic,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Program staff help with translation and annual reparations applications to the Claims Conference.—
Dana Toppel,
Oc Register,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The civil action, which is seeking more than $15,000 in damages, remains pending in Hartford Superior Court.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Instead, Congress had to pass a law to allow for state and local government officials, such as police officers, to be sued in federal court for money damages.—
Brian Kolp,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reprisals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprisals. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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