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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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 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 Millions have taken to criticizing authorities on social media, despite the risks of retribution. — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 10 Sep. 2026 The consequences call into question not only the nature of punishment and retribution but also the limits of our humanity. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retribution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retribution
  1. revenge
  2. retaliation
Noun
  • Tonight, the 49ers can get their revenge, or maybe the Seahawks will continue to have San Francisco’s number.
    — OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Han first became a fan favorite in Korea with the popular revenge drama Resurrection (2005), going on to star in hit series including Yi San (2007-08), Rooftop Prince (2012), Our Blues (2022) and Love Scout (2025).
    — Mathew Scott, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of revenge
Noun
  • Wilkinson countered that what was at issue was that the network has to go through the early renewal process at all, characterizing it as an act of retaliation that is ripe for district court review.
    — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The retaliation begins outside the chapel, where Ellen uses her bow to quietly pick off the guard escorting the hostages, allowing the women to escape and seize his weapons.
    — Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 5 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on retribution

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about retribution

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