retribution

noun

ˌre-trə-ˈbyü-shən How to pronounce retribution (audio)
Definition of retributionnext
as in revenge
the act or an instance of responding to an injury with an injury the neighborhood is being torn apart by an endless cycle of gang violence and retribution

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 retribution Cancer represents legacy in astrology, and Ruthye is trying to honor her father by being a vigilante, seeking retribution for her father's death. — Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 Members of white government clubs hassled their white neighbors into political lockstep and advertised physical and financial retribution for any Black person who dared to vote. — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 3 July 2026 That means that in teams where people felt safe to share ideas and make mistakes, with little fear of ridicule or retribution, there was significantly higher productivity, a lower rate of turnover, more innovation and much more engagement. — Leeza Carlone Steindorf, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 Mtula Payton and Dandrae Martin turned a downtown Sacramento street corner bustling with nightlife into a battleground in a gang shootout fueled by rivalry and retribution, a Sacramento County prosecutor told jurors Tuesday. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for retribution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retribution
  1. revenge
  2. retaliation
Noun
  • Short dramas tapped into these stories of time travel, revenge, and high fantasy — and translated the narrative patterns of web novels into video.
    — Lavender Au, The Dial, 30 June 2026
  • The opposition views the initiative, proposed by Pastef, Sonko's party, as political revenge by the former prime minister, who retains significant influence over the parliamentary majority.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 June 2026
Definition of revenge
Noun
  • Moscow says the strike was retaliation for Ukraine’s 40-day campaign on Russian oil refineries and supply lines, which has fueled shortages, hit Crimea and eroded battlefield momentum.
    — Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • Moscow launched massive drone and missile strikes on Kyiv, killing at least 17 people in retaliation against recent Ukrainian attacks that have buckled Russia’s economy.
    — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of retaliation

Browse Nearby Words

retrenchments
retribution
retributions
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Cite this Entry

“Retribution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retribution. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on retribution

Nglish: Translation of retribution for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about retribution

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