Definitions

punishment

[puhn-ish-muhnt] / ˈpʌn ɪʃ mənt /

NOUN

penalty

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abuse beating discipline forfeiture retribution sanction suffering torture trial

STRONG

amercement castigation chastening chastisement comeuppance confiscation correction deprivation forfeit gallows infliction lumps maltreatment mortification mulct ostracism pain penance proof purgatory reparation rod sequestration unhappiness victimization

WEAK

disciplinary action hard work punitive measures rough treatment short shrift what for

Antonyms

STRONGEST

award happiness reward

STRONG

indulgence

WEAK

encouragement exoneration praise protection

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There was a machinery working to shorten his punishment.

From Salon • Apr. 21, 2026

There’s a limit to how much punishment the rest of the world can take while the U.S. and Iran search for an offramp, though.

From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026

In seeking the injunction, Bonta’s office argues that Amazon threatens “dire consequences if vendors do not comply. Vendors, cowed by Amazon’s overwhelming bargaining leverage and fearing punishment, comply,” according to the filing.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2026

These rules also applied broad definitions on the kind of actions that would trigger punishment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

When little Vladimir finally relinquished her, with assurances that he was ‘desolated to leave so early’, she was ready to rest, and see how her recreant knight had borne his punishment.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

Vocabulary lists containing punishment

Psychology

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"Nadia the Willful"

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The House of Hades

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