punishment
12 synonyms and 0 antonyms for punishment, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A penalty given for wrongdoing, or the act of imposing one.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use punishment
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French punissement, from punir, "to punish."
Full origin of punishment →Frequently asked questions
What does “punishment” mean?
The word “punishment” means a penalty given for wrongdoing, or the act of imposing one. In plain terms, a penalty given as a consequence for doing wrong.
How do you pronounce “punishment”?
“Punishment” is pronounced PUH-nihsh-muhnt (/ˈpʌnɪʃmənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “punishment” in a sentence?
Here is “punishment” used in a sentence: “The punishment for the crime was a fine and community service.”
What is another word for “punishment”?
Words with a similar meaning to “punishment” include castigation, chastening, chastisement, correction, gruel and punition.
What part of speech is “punishment”?
“Punishment” is a noun.
Where does the word “punishment” come from?
The word “punishment” comes from Old French. From Old French punissement, from punir, "to punish.".
Is “punishment” a common word?
“Punishment” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between punishment and discipline?
Punishment is a penalty imposed for wrongdoing, focused on the response to a specific offence. Discipline is broader, referring to training and correction meant to teach acceptable behaviour, of which punishment may be one part.
What is the difference between punishment and a consequence?
A punishment is deliberately imposed by someone in authority as a penalty for wrongdoing. A consequence is any result that follows an action and may occur naturally, without anyone choosing to impose it.
What words commonly go with punishment?
Punishment appears in fixed phrases such as "capital punishment" (the death penalty) and "corporal punishment" (physical penalty). Common verbs include "impose," "mete out," "receive," and "escape" punishment.
Is punishment countable or uncountable?
Punishment can be both. It is uncountable when referring to the general idea ("crime and punishment") and countable when referring to a specific penalty ("a harsh punishment").