as in reparation
payment to another for a loss or injury
a peace agreement that was rejected because it contained no provisions for reprisals
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Recent Examples of reprisals
Dawson’s ended its run in 2003; Van Der Beek, having achieved something at the start of his career that most actors spend their lives pursuing, might have gone on to seek lucrative reprisals of his famous role.
—
Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026
The six-episode season streams E4 this week with Wallace uncovering vicious reprisals in Bilbao, Spain’s sunny resort area.
—Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 2026
His June assault on Iran’s nuclear facilities had two carrier groups in the region, more there as a counter-weight to any Iranian reprisals than to be directly involved in the attack.
—Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026
Women, minorities and human rights advocates feared the loss of basic freedoms and possible Taliban reprisals.
—Mehr Mumtaz, The Conversation, 29 Jan. 2026
There wasn’t even a bit of magic reserved for either of its stars, despite both Erivo and Grande scoring Globes nominations for their reprisals, and the latter also being tapped for a Critics Choice Award.
—Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2026
One pet shop owner in Tehran, who spoke on the condition of anonymity like others for fear of reprisals, said his business had fallen by 90% since the protests.
—Elena Becatoros, Arkansas Online, 20 Jan. 2026
Eyewitness accounts are scant, and those who do report on the situation usually do so anonymously for fear of reprisals.
—Alexander Smith, NBC news, 16 Jan. 2026
Tehran has threatened the US with reprisals were it to be attacked, alongside conciliatory signals, including the suspension of a protester’s execution.
—Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 15 Jan. 2026
Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026
The six-episode season streams E4 this week with Wallace uncovering vicious reprisals in Bilbao, Spain’s sunny resort area.
—Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 2026
His June assault on Iran’s nuclear facilities had two carrier groups in the region, more there as a counter-weight to any Iranian reprisals than to be directly involved in the attack.
—Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026
Women, minorities and human rights advocates feared the loss of basic freedoms and possible Taliban reprisals.
—Mehr Mumtaz, The Conversation, 29 Jan. 2026
There wasn’t even a bit of magic reserved for either of its stars, despite both Erivo and Grande scoring Globes nominations for their reprisals, and the latter also being tapped for a Critics Choice Award.
—Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2026
One pet shop owner in Tehran, who spoke on the condition of anonymity like others for fear of reprisals, said his business had fallen by 90% since the protests.
—Elena Becatoros, Arkansas Online, 20 Jan. 2026
Eyewitness accounts are scant, and those who do report on the situation usually do so anonymously for fear of reprisals.
—Alexander Smith, NBC news, 16 Jan. 2026
Tehran has threatened the US with reprisals were it to be attacked, alongside conciliatory signals, including the suspension of a protester’s execution.
—Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 15 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprisals
Noun
-
None of the victims or their descendants received any direct reparations from the city or state.—
Caleb Gayle,
The Atlantic,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Program staff help with translation and annual reparations applications to the Claims Conference.—
Dana Toppel,
Oc Register,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Losses could put the tech firms on the hook for billions of dollars in damages and force them to change their platforms.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
11 Feb. 2026
-
If the companies are found liable, the jury will consider whether to award Kaley damages for pain and suffering, and could also impose punitive damages.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reprisals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprisals. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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