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

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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 retribution The people familiar with the discussions spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid retribution from the administration. — Rick Maese, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026 But all of the hospital’s medical providers with the TRUE Center for Gender Diversity refused to prescribe the treatment to minors out of fear of retribution from the federal government, according to the ruling. — Katie Langford, Denver Post, 23 Sep. 2026 Democratic officials have pushed back on those characterizations, described the moves as retribution and said such cuts will harm vulnerable populations. — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 22 Sep. 2026 Clandestine action begets retribution, which begets chaos — the only status quo Central Intelligence has ever known. — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 20 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retribution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retribution
  1. revenge
  2. retaliation
Noun
  • The Brewers were baseball’s best team in the regular season and were looking for revenge after the Dodgers swept them in dominant fashion on their way to the 2025 title.
    — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
  • This week saw comings and goings at the White House, the revenge of a child (reality) star, and Elon Musk doing Elon Musk things.
    — Holly J. Morris, NPR, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of revenge
Noun
  • Six months after the board heard their concerns, the three employees sued the organization for retaliation and wrongful termination.
    — Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Prosecutors, meanwhile, said Davis orchestrated the shooting as retaliation for an attack on his nephew, Orlando Anderson, at the MGM Grand casino hours earlier.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 13 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about retribution

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