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View synonyms for retribution

retribution

[ re-truh-byoo-shuhn ]

noun

  1. requital according to merits or deserts, especially for evil.

    Synonyms: repayment, recompense, retaliation

    Antonyms: pardon

  2. something given or inflicted in such requital.

    Synonyms: repayment, recompense, retaliation

    Antonyms: pardon

  3. Theology. the distribution of rewards and punishments in a future life.


retribution

/ rɪˈtrɪbjʊtɪv; ˌrɛtrɪˈbjuːʃən /

noun

  1. the act of punishing or taking vengeance for wrongdoing, sin, or injury
  2. punishment or vengeance
“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


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Derived Forms

  • reˈtributively, adverb
  • retributive, adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of retribution1

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English retribucioun, from Middle French, from Late Latin retribūtiōn- (stem of retribūtiō ) “punishment, reward as result of judgment,” equivalent to Latin retribūt(us) (past participle of retribuere “to restore, give back”; re-, tribute ) + -iōn- -ion
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Word History and Origins

Origin of retribution1

C14: via Old French from Church Latin retribūtiō , from Latin retribuere to repay, from re- + tribuere to pay; see tribute
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Synonym Study

See revenge.
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Example Sentences

“Amazon is throwing down their throat that the union is going to take your money,” said a pro-union worker at the Bessemer facility, who spoke on the condition of anonymity over fear of retribution.

The player is one of several members of Middle Tennessee’s football program to speak on the condition of anonymity to avoid possible retribution.

Lynn, for example, said he is seeing calls for violent retribution continue to spread on conservative websites like Newsmax and on extremist social media apps like Gab and Parler.

Beijing has opposed the resolution, dishing out retribution against Australia for its role in spearheading the movement.

From Fortune

This contrasts with the more traditional criminal justice approach of retribution, and firms like Designing Justice believe physical design can increase the effectiveness of this alternative approach.

From Fortune

Like many other Pakistani Taliban, Jamal has his own horror stories to tell, which he believes can justify any bloody retribution.

We are all guilty all the time and retribution will come for our unnamed sins.

Soon, though, voices from off camera begin shouting for retribution, not justice, chanting “Burn this b**** down.”

He came around at a time when a lot of urban artists were getting dicked around by labels and had no means of retribution.

The lane closures on the bridge last September were seemingly done to exact political retribution, Shultz and company said.

That evening Malcolm witnessed the plundering of Fattehpore, which was permitted in retribution for its recent rebellion.

As for my share, retribution has held its heavy hand upon me; it is upon me still, Heaven knows.

In the case of the latter, however, retribution was only visited upon the after-generation of smokers.

Moreover, there was danger of retribution: settlements not so far off; soldiers still nearer.

Desolation broods in yonder sad city—solemn retribution hath avenged our dishonored banner!

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