retribution
Americannoun
-
requital according to merits or deserts, especially for evil.
- Synonyms:
- recompense, repayment, retaliation
- Antonyms:
- pardon
-
something given or inflicted in such requital.
- Synonyms:
- recompense, repayment, retaliation
- Antonyms:
- pardon
-
Theology. the distribution of rewards and punishments in a future life.
noun
-
the act of punishing or taking vengeance for wrongdoing, sin, or injury
-
punishment or vengeance
Synonym Usage
See revenge.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of retribution
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”; see re-, tribute) + -iōn- -ion
Explanation
Retribution is the act of taking revenge. If you pull a prank on someone, expect retribution. Retribution comes from the Latin for giving back what's due, either reward or punishment. But when we talk about retribution, we only talk about punishment. The old punishment code of "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth," is an example of retribution. Some people think about large events like tornados or earthquakes as cosmic retribution for human pride. Some synonyms are compensation, recompense, requital.
Vocabulary lists containing retribution
The Great Gatsby
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"The Cask Of Amontillado" by Edgar Allan Poe
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"The Cask of Amontillado"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
“With this action, the United States Military has brought retribution for them, their families, and their loved ones,” Trump posted.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 13, 2026
"I am not sure how I feel," a 29-year-old who works at a cafe in the Iranian capital told AFP on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution.
From Barron's ● Jun. 12, 2026
Asked if he was worried about retribution from Trump for his vote, he said: "I vote my conscience for what I think is right and willing to accept that."
From BBC ● Jun. 4, 2026
But a former DOJ ethics official, speaking on the condition of anonymity for fear of retribution, said that Dhillon’s participation in the proceedings was anything but routine.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 28, 2026
Old Chao sat up, bobbing, preparing for retribution.
From "Typical American" by Gish Jen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
