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
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Recent Examples of retaliation
Oseguera Cervantes’ killing set off retaliation by the cartel in numerous states.
—
CNN Money, 3 Mar. 2026
Sunday's unrest came amid ongoing cross-border fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which began Thursday after Afghanistan launched attacks in retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes the previous Sunday.
—Arkansas Online, 3 Mar. 2026
The terrorist group said the attack was in retaliation for the killing of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Saturday.
—Zach Lachance, The Washington Examiner, 2 Mar. 2026
Sunday’s unrest came amid ongoing cross-border fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which began Thursday after Afghanistan launched attacks in retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes the previous Sunday.
—ABC News, 2 Mar. 2026
At least nine people have been killed in Israel, where Iranian missiles have been raining down in retaliation.
—Toluse Olorunnipa, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
The conflict, particularly Iran’s retaliation by firing missiles into neighboring countries like the United Arab Emirates, pushed airlines to cancel hundreds of flights to the Middle East.
—Angelica Ang, Fortune, 2 Mar. 2026
In retaliation, Iran’s military has struck Israel, where several people have been killed.
—Cara Anna, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026
Moriarty says this is a route victims who may be afraid to speak publicly, or fear retaliation, can come forward in a safer way.
—Beret Leone, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2026
CNN Money, 3 Mar. 2026
Sunday's unrest came amid ongoing cross-border fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which began Thursday after Afghanistan launched attacks in retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes the previous Sunday.
—Arkansas Online, 3 Mar. 2026
The terrorist group said the attack was in retaliation for the killing of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Saturday.
—Zach Lachance, The Washington Examiner, 2 Mar. 2026
Sunday’s unrest came amid ongoing cross-border fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which began Thursday after Afghanistan launched attacks in retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes the previous Sunday.
—ABC News, 2 Mar. 2026
At least nine people have been killed in Israel, where Iranian missiles have been raining down in retaliation.
—Toluse Olorunnipa, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
The conflict, particularly Iran’s retaliation by firing missiles into neighboring countries like the United Arab Emirates, pushed airlines to cancel hundreds of flights to the Middle East.
—Angelica Ang, Fortune, 2 Mar. 2026
In retaliation, Iran’s military has struck Israel, where several people have been killed.
—Cara Anna, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026
Moriarty says this is a route victims who may be afraid to speak publicly, or fear retaliation, can come forward in a safer way.
—Beret Leone, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retaliation
Noun
-
They are all caught in a web of deceit and revenge.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
8 Mar. 2026
-
But first, a week off, Selection Sunday and then the Bruins get back to their revenge tour.—
Marisa Ingemi,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Those employees, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to fear of retribution, described being asked a wide range of questions about government contracts and campaign donations.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Bombs are falling, people are dying and vows of revenge and retribution are being lobbed in escalating threats, all while untold taxpayer dollars are being spent on a military strategy that’s expected to continue for weeks with an undefined goal and conclusion.—
Lisa Mascaro,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retaliation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retaliation. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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