Synonyms of retaliation

retaliation

noun

as in revenge

the act or an instance of responding to an injury with an injury

police believe that the murder was in retaliation for an earlier gangland execution

Synonyms & Similar Words

• revenge
• retribution
• reprisal
• vengeance
• punishment
• payback
• compensation
• counterattack
• counteroffensive
• requital
• chastisement
• castigation
• counter
• correction
• wrath
• amends
• penalty
• redress
• indemnity
• reparation(s)
• restitution
• indemnification
• desert(s)
• discipline
• recompense
• recoupment
• nemesis
• remuneration
• quittance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• mercy
• grace
• leniency
• clemency
• forgiveness
• pardon
• remission
• lenity

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of retaliation

Iran has previously targeted US infrastructure at military bases in neighboring countries in retaliation for American strikes on its territory. — Jeremy Diamond, CNN Money, 31 July 2026

Tapp-Harper is seeking more than $1,000,000 in damages, accusing Cogen of firing her without cause in retaliation for filing a complaint alleging discrimination and mistreatment. — Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 30 July 2026

The indictments, handed up by a grand jury this week, are on charges of retaliation against a witness and tampering with evidence, WFAA reported. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026

Pérez is using a pseudonym out of fear of immigration retaliation. — Daniella Silva, NBC news, 30 July 2026

Those who reported the hazing were then urinated on, spat on and hit repeatedly by other pledges in retaliation for coming forward, the University Daily Kansan reported in 2019. — Cuyler Dunn, Kansas City Star, 29 July 2026

In retaliation for Saudi Arabia’s blockade of its territory, the terrorist group announced its own blockade of Saudi Arabia, threatening to attack any vessels that traded with the kingdom. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 29 July 2026

Anthropic argued that the designation was retaliation and sued in federal court, where a judge sided with the company. — Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

Three days later, Deante Miller and Roderick Godfrey were shot and killed on the 700 block of 39th Street, which authorities believe was a retaliation for Redd’s killing. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 28 July 2026