RETALIATION Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

retaliation

noun

Definition of retaliation

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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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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retaliation

Noun

When asked whether Kessler’s return would spark extra motivation for the Jazz, Utah coach Will Hardy dispelled any suggestions of revenge.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
Wu stars alongside Chris Pratt, a NAVY seal out for revenge after the murder of his family.

— Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of revenge

Noun

Three of the individuals spoke on condition of anonymity out of fear of retribution.

— Ryan Lucas, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026
Over time, Buddhism introduced ideas of reincarnation and karmic retribution, linking a person's fate after death to their actions in life.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of retribution

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retaliating

retaliation

retaliations

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“Retaliation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retaliation. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of retaliation

noun

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