noun
Uncommon
retribution
reht-rih-BYOO-shuhn
Retribution (noun) means Punishment given out of a sense of justice or revenge for a wrong that was done. Example: “He swore retribution against those who had betrayed him.”
noun
1
Punishment given out of a sense of justice or revenge for a wrong that was done.
"He swore retribution against those who had betrayed him."
"The attack was seen as retribution for years of oppression."
How to use retribution
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPunishment or payback delivered as justice or revenge.
Common mistake
Retribution is punishment-focused revenge; "restitution" is about repaying or compensating for a loss — don't mix the two up.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
seek retribution
swift retribution
fear of retribution
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Word forms
- Plural
- retributions
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He swore _____ against those who had betrayed him.
Etymology
From Latin retribuere, "to repay."
Related words
Rhymes for retribution
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for retribution →
Frequently asked questions
What does “retribution” mean?
The word “retribution” means punishment given out of a sense of justice or revenge for a wrong that was done. In plain terms, punishment or payback delivered as justice or revenge.
How do you pronounce “retribution”?
“Retribution” is pronounced reht-rih-BYOO-shuhn (/ˌɹɛt.ɹɪˈbju.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “retribution” in a sentence?
Here is “retribution” used in a sentence: “He swore retribution against those who had betrayed him.”
What part of speech is “retribution”?
“Retribution” is a noun.
Where does the word “retribution” come from?
The word “retribution” comes from Latin. From Latin retribuere, "to repay.".
Is “retribution” a common word?
“Retribution” is an uncommon word in modern English.
