PUNISHER Synonyms: 13 Similar and Opposite Words

punisher

noun

Definition of punisher

as in nemesis

one who inflicts punishment in return for an injury or offense a father who regrets the fact that he always ends up being the household's disciplinarian and resident punisher

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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 punisher Montgomery has barely been in the big leagues for two months but has already put his name alongside a couple of franchise icons (and another hard-core punisher of baseballs). — Phil Rogers, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for punisher

Noun

After a big road win against longtime nemesis Oregon, video posted online showed Chesney delivering a fiery speech to his team in the tunnel before facing the Ducks.

— Jordan Puente, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
But Bond’s most enduring nemesis has nothing to do with Blofeld’s white cat.

— Luka Ladan, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of nemesis

Noun

Tresnjak and Melinda Page Hamilton frame Claire Zachanassian as a clear-eyed avenger forcing society to confront capitalism, patriarchy and power, deepening the Playhouse’s emerging sense of company and artistic risk-taking.

— Jenelle Riley, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Speaking of that last vampire subject, this is also a great episode for Jacob Anderson in the B-plot, as Louis plays the reluctant avenger doing that loveable scoundrel Raglan James’s dirty work in two stand-out action sequences.

— Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 22 June 2026

Definition of avenger

Noun

As the group of masked vigilantes approached, several members beat Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine, who was hospitalized for her injuries.

— Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Of late, vigilantes have been rearing their heads in the United States, Europe, and Japan.

— RUCHIR SHARMA, Foreign Affairs, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of vigilante

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punished

punisher

punishers

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“Punisher.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punisher. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of punisher

noun

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