RETALIATION Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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Recent Examples of retaliation In retaliation for a ground invasion, Iran’s Houthi allies in Yemen could attack ships in the Red Sea, halting the flow of oil and cargo via a route that’s been used to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. —

Jason Ma, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2026 Iran has targeted vessels trying to make a crossing in retaliation, effectively stalling marine traffic. —

Charlene Gubash, NBC news, 30 Mar. 2026 Analysts at major investment banks now forecast a structural undersupply regime persisting through 2027, with prices potentially testing $120–$130 in a worst-case scenario involving further escalation or Saudi retaliation. —

Michael Khouw, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026 The Houthis previously disrupted trade routes by striking ships on the Red Sea in retaliation for Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. —

Mustafa Qadri, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2026 On Monday, Gran Grif gang leader Luckson Elan described the violence as retaliation in response to attacks in Savien, their base, by the armed group Temepri. —

Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026 The workplace is comfortable and fosters open communication without retaliation. —

Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026 Democrats should commit to scrapping these taxes, which not only raise consumer prices but also slow growth, stifle competition and invite retaliation. —

Editorial, Boston Herald, 30 Mar. 2026 Experts say such an operation could trigger broader retaliation against Gulf Arab energy facilities, further destabilizing the region and driving prices higher. —

Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retaliation

Noun

Merrill's home run robbery provided a boost early on, but McGonigle got revenge with a game-winning two-run single in a four-run eighth inning for Detroit en route to a 5-2 victory.

— Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2026
These two teams swept each other on the road during the regular season, but Hicks and the Pios exacted part one of their revenge with a 2-1 overtime victory in the semifinals of this year’s Frozen Faceoff.

— Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2026