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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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 The punishments were carried out in public every Friday, after prayers. — Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2026 The cases are then reviewed by a panel of faculty and staff, which can impose punishments ranging from verbal warnings to suspension or expulsion. — Casey Tolan, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026 Two were asked to write reflection essays as part of their punishments. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026 England’s punishments became a measure of what republican justice must overcome. — Maurizio Valsania, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for punishment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punishment
  1. penalty
  2. wrath
Noun
  • The fine comes days after American Express was also hit with a $350 million penalty for similar anti-money laundering shortcomings.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The Dolphins are tied for 14th in penalties (39) and 20th in penalty yards (260).
    — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of penalty
Noun
  • 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
  • None of these companies want to incur the wrath of this very vengeful president.
    — Nilay Patel, The Verge, 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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