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Showing results for punishable. Search instead for unpunishable.
Synonyms

punishable

American  
[puhn-i-shuh-buhl] / ˈpʌn ɪ ʃə bəl /

adjective

  1. liable to or deserving punishment.


ˈpunishable British  
/ ˈpʌnɪʃəbəl /

adjective

  1. liable to be punished or deserving of punishment

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • nonpunishable adjective
  • punishability noun
  • repunishable adjective
  • unpunishable adjective

Etymology

Origin of punishable

1375–1425; late Middle English. See punish, -able

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Tastelessness is not punishable by law, and neither is adapting a beloved novel however a filmmaker sees fit.

From Salon • Feb. 23, 2026

Sherman Act of 1890 made it illegal for competing companies to engage in horizontal price fixing, potentially punishable by prison time.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

Violating a closure order is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and six months in prison, although such severe punishment is rare.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 2026

It says flying a drone or model aircraft without necessary IDs is against the law, and punishable by fines or, in severe cases, with prison sentences.

From BBC • Dec. 28, 2025

It was a court order addressed to Jack So-and-so, informing him that if he didn’t pay his back alimony he would be in contempt and punishable.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck