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 But an Israeli soldier, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution, now says the military could find no evidence linking the camera, which belonged to Al-Masri, to Hamas. — Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Several countries in Europe have set models for rehabilitating a democracy with fair and judicial retribution against former officials deemed accountable for wrongdoing. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Aug. 2026 Our reporters speak to people every day who want to share information but fear retribution. — Jesse Coburn, ProPublica, 19 Aug. 2026 Stokes was scared to be seen in public talking about the case, worried about poor treatment from law enforcement and the potential for retribution. — CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retribution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retribution
  1. revenge
  2. retaliation
Noun
  • Is anyone in The Shards getting revenge at this point, though?
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
  • But where each side diverges is on who was seeking revenge, an act that resulted in the death of an unintended victim — Robinson — instead of Bowman.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of revenge
Noun
  • But Washington canceled the attack in part because of Gulf Arab states’ concerns about potential retaliation.
    — JAMES F. JEFFREY, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2026
  • McCoy’s lawsuit alleges that her demotion was in violation of Missouri’s whistleblower statute, which allows public employees to sue for unlawful retaliation after reporting violations of law.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of retaliation

Browse Nearby Words

retrenchments
retribution
retributions
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on retribution

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about retribution

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