vengeance
9 synonyms and 1 antonym for vengeance, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Punishment inflicted in return for a wrong or injury; revenge.
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.
Antonyms
How to use vengeance
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
seek vengeance
swear vengeance
with a vengeance
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman vengeaunce, from Old French vengier ("to avenge").
Full origin of vengeance →Frequently asked questions
What does “vengeance” mean?
The word “vengeance” means punishment inflicted in return for a wrong or injury; revenge. In plain terms, getting back at someone for a wrong done to you — a slightly more formal, dramatic word for revenge.
How do you pronounce “vengeance”?
“Vengeance” is pronounced VEHN-juhns (/ˈvɛnˌd͡ʒəns/ in IPA).
How do you use “vengeance” in a sentence?
Here is “vengeance” used in a sentence: “He swore vengeance on the men who had betrayed him.”
What is another word for “vengeance”?
Words with a similar meaning to “vengeance” include reprisal, retaliation, retribution, revenge and wreak.
What is the opposite of “vengeance”?
The opposite of “vengeance” — its antonyms — is reconciliation.
What part of speech is “vengeance”?
“Vengeance” is a noun.
Where does the word “vengeance” come from?
The word “vengeance” comes from Old French. From Anglo-Norman vengeaunce, from Old French vengier ("to avenge").
Is “vengeance” a common word?
“Vengeance” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between vengeance and revenge?
Vengeance and revenge both mean punishment inflicted in return for a wrong, and the words are largely interchangeable. "Vengeance" often carries a more formal or dramatic tone, appearing in phrases like "seek vengeance," while "revenge" is used more freely in everyday speech.
Is vengeance the same as justice?
Not quite. Vengeance is personal punishment inflicted in return for a wrong, driven by a desire for retribution, whereas justice implies a fair and impartial resolution, often through legal or moral process rather than personal retaliation.
