PUNISHMENT Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

punishment

noun

ˈpə-nish-mənt

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

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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 But many instructors don’t report incidents of cheating to administrators responsible for enforcing those rules and meting out punishments. —

Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 17 June 2026 The woman appeared at the sentencing to ask the judge to hand down a tough punishment, local TV station WBRZ reported. —

Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 17 June 2026 The maximum punishment for a misdemeanor hit-and-run in California is six months in county jail and a $1,000 fine. —

Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 17 June 2026 In some places, women who might test positive for substances are afraid to seek prenatal care out of fear of punishment. —

Jeffrey D. Klausner, STAT, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for punishment

Recent Examples of Synonyms for punishment

Noun

The government recently announced another recruitment drive, offering to pay off debts of up to $140,000 for men who sign up and might otherwise face penalties for defaulting.

— Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
Under Florida law, a first-time DUI conviction can carry penalties that include fines, probation, community service and a driver's license suspension, though any potential penalties in this case would depend on the outcome of court proceedings.

— Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026