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

To avoid a retaliation claim, keep decisions about Steve’s role, performance, and development consistent and documented, and loop in someone beyond his manager. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026

The other user spoke on condition of anonymity over fears of retaliation. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026

Hundreds of former fighters are registering for a program to return to civilian life, even as some fear retaliation and the TPLF urges its forces to keep fighting. — Khaled Kazziha, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Like other Tigrayans quoted in this story, he is being referred to only by his surname for fear of retaliation by armed groups. — Siyanne Mekonnen, Christian Science Monitor, 16 Oct. 2026

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv would resume strikes on Russian refineries in retaliation. — Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026

Five former corporate employees agreed to speak with NPR on the condition of anonymity, fearing retaliation from Mazal Group. — Monika Evstatieva, NPR, 14 Oct. 2026

Iran’s retaliation should surprise no one, said Dan Pickering, founder and chief investment officer at Pickering Energy Partners. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026

Authorities described it as criminal retaliation but did not publicly identify a cartel. — Armando Regil Velasco, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026