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

The Israeli military who speak out have been concealed in various way because there could be retaliation. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026

In the months following Kirk’s death, Stevens said the free speech organization had a notable spike in professors reporting retaliation for their speech – both from university administration and lawmakers. — Angele Latham, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

In 2003, for example, the leak of CIA officer Valerie Plame’s identity – widely seen as retaliation for her husband’s criticism of the Iraq War – triggered a federal investigation. — Brian O'Neill, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2026

No host, local affiliate, or network should have to weigh federal retaliation before booking a guest for a newsworthy interview. — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2026

Lawmakers have been eyeing changes like prohibiting lawmakers from dating staff members, updating reporting systems and retaliation protections, and increasing educational and training resources. — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2026

Due to the pile-up of NDAs in Musk’s trail and an almost certain fear of retaliation, there aren’t too many talking heads in Gibney’s movie that will surprise you. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2026

Gulf countries bore the brunt of Tehran's retaliation for American strikes, with missiles and drone strikes hitting military targets as well as civilian areas on a regular basis at the height of the fighting. — September 7, CBS News, 7 Sep. 2026

The military said the strike was in retaliation for a drone attack by Hezbollah militants. — ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026