COMEUPPANCE Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

comeuppance

noun

(ˌ)kəm-ˈə-pən(t)s

Definition of comeuppance

as in punishment

suffering, loss, or hardship imposed in response to a crime or offense as with many action movies, this one ends with a wild chase and an over-the-top fight sequence in which the bad guys finally get their comeuppance

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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 comeuppance Their tart banter in the Netflix hit doesn't rise to the toxic levels of their Roses relationship; in fact, the characters’ relationship ends on a more bittersweet and reflective note, as opposed to the movie’s grim comeuppance. — Jesse Hassenger, Entertainment Weekly, 1 June 2026 Only through a RegalView strike and an Equisapiens uprising does Lift get his comeuppance; journalism accomplishes nothing. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 22 May 2026 Playing an essential role in the comeuppance of Christie is sweatshop worker Jianhu (Poppy Liu, who has some of the film’s more moving scenes). — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 19 May 2026 For one thing, when extremely evil people never seem to get their righteous and fiery comeuppance, my rage can curdle a bit. — Literary Hub, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for comeuppance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for comeuppance

Noun

Because of this purposeful inaccuracy, she will be reported to the FCC for rebuke or punishment.

— Rick Ellis, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Hisbah members also face widespread allegations of rights abuses in their enforcement operations, including subjecting offenders to dehumanizing punishments such as public beatings or shaming.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of punishment

Noun

Despite Erasmus’s wrath, the Renaissance cut-and-pasters were on a roll—for a while.

— Mario Carpo, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
There are a couple of shocking narrative twists at the end, with Alice potentially unleashing her wrath, and the revelation of Catherine’s role in Isabel’s death.

— Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of wrath

Noun

Mosteller will serve 19 months in prison, avoiding the maximum penalty of 15 years behind bars.

— Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026
After 9-year-old foster child Jakob Blodgett died from diabetes complications at an Arizona group home, the state issued a violation but imposed no fines or license penalties.

— Jacques Billeaud, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of penalty

Browse Nearby Words

come up empty

comeuppance

comeuppances

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“Comeuppance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comeuppance. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of comeuppance

noun

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