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
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
In fact, The Athletic has sources in Adelaide — granted anonymity to protect relationships and, well, for fear of reprisals — who wanted England to win this match just to keep the series alive.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 21 Dec. 2025
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
In fact, The Athletic has sources in Adelaide — granted anonymity to protect relationships and, well, for fear of reprisals — who wanted England to win this match just to keep the series alive.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 21 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprisals
Noun
-
Newsom has thrown himself behind progressive stances on affirmative action, crime, and reparations, having recently signed a bill to create an agency that will deliver restitution to the descendants of slaves.—
Jonathan Chait,
The Atlantic,
22 Jan. 2026
-
In fact, the question of environmental reparations is not without precedent.—
Josiane Yazbeck,
The Conversation,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
That had followed a a long-running case against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN), in which he was awarded damages.—
Simon Perry,
PEOPLE,
22 Jan. 2026
-
This marks Harry’s third time suing a major newspaper group, having previously taken legal action against The Sun owner News Group Newspapers, which settled before trial, as well as The Mirror Group, a case in which he was awareded £140,600 in damages.—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
21 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reprisals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprisals. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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