punishment

noun

ˈpə-nish-mənt How to pronounce punishment (audio)
Definition of punishmentnext
as in penalty
suffering, loss, or hardship imposed in response to a crime or offense he is serving five years in prison as punishment for aggravated assault

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of punishment In Pennsylvania, the form of punishment is still on the books — but executions have been halted for more than a decade by an active gubernatorial moratorium. — Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026 Palestinians have been subject to surging attacks, rarely leading to arrests or punishment, rights groups say. — ABC News, 19 Oct. 2026 The church calls the punishment for women who become priests a latae sententiae excommunication, meaning automatic. — Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 Six states were responsible for the 31 executions in 2026 — even though 27 states still legally allow the most severe form of punishment in this country. — Nate Perez, NPR, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for punishment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punishment
  1. penalty
  2. wrath
Noun
  • The company has suffered from several high-profile legal blows this year that have resulted in multibillion-dollar penalties.
    — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Interest on the penalty would accrue during an appeal, but the number of violations Meta is charged with could be reduced.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of penalty
Noun
  • El Salvador President Nayib Bukele is demanding the release of four Salvadoran military personnel ambushed by an armed gang in Haiti, warning that the gangs would face his wrath if the men are not returned alive and unharmed.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
  • While Brian rode off to war, Ellen reluctantly returned to Leoch, fully aware of the wrath awaiting her from Colum in particular.
    — Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of wrath

Browse Nearby Words

punishing
punishment
punishments
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Cite this Entry

“Punishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punishment. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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