retaliation
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for retaliation, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An act of revenge carried out in response to harm.
Synonyms
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 retaliation
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Frequently asked questions
What does “retaliation” mean?
The word “retaliation” means an act of revenge carried out in response to harm. In plain terms, payback for being wronged.
How do you pronounce “retaliation”?
“Retaliation” is pronounced ree-tal-ee-AY-shuhn (/ɹɪˌtæl.iˈeɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “retaliation” in a sentence?
Here is “retaliation” used in a sentence: “The attack was seen as retaliation for the earlier bombing.”
What part of speech is “retaliation”?
“Retaliation” is a noun.
Is “retaliation” a common word?
“Retaliation” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between retaliation and revenge?
Retaliation and revenge both describe acts carried out in response to harm, and the terms overlap closely in meaning, though retaliation often implies a direct, proportionate response, while revenge can carry a stronger sense of personal satisfaction or emotional payback. Retaliation is also more commonly used in formal, legal, or political contexts, such as workplace retaliation or military retaliation.
What is the difference between retaliation and self-defense?
Retaliation is an act of revenge carried out after harm has already occurred, whereas self-defense is action taken to protect oneself during an ongoing threat or attack. Self-defense is generally viewed as protective and immediate, while retaliation happens afterward as a response.
What is workplace retaliation?
Workplace retaliation refers to an employer taking adverse action against an employee in response to that employee reporting misconduct, filing a complaint, or exercising a legal right. This is a specific application of the general meaning of retaliation as an act of revenge carried out in response to perceived harm.