Retribution — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌre-trə-ˈbyü-shən/ ret·ri·bu·tion

Meaning & Definition of Retribution

Retribution (noun)

  1. something given or exacted in recompense; especially, punishment
  2. the dispensing or receiving of reward or punishment especially in the hereafter
  3. recompense, reward

Retribution (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the act or an instance of responding to an injury with an injury

    "the neighborhood is being torn apart by an endless cycle of gang violence and retribution"

    similar: payback, reprisal, requital, retaliation, revenge, vengeance
    related: counter, counterattack, counteroffensive, castigation, chastisement, correction, desert(s), discipline, nemesis, penalty, punishment, wrath, amends, compensation, indemnification, indemnity, quittance, recompense, recoupment, redress, remuneration, reparation(s), restitution
    near: clemency, grace, leniency, lenity, mercy, forgiveness, pardon, remission

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Retribution

The most common words with a similar meaning to Retribution:

payback, reprisal, requital, retaliation, revenge, vengeance

Related Words for Retribution

counter, counterattack, counteroffensive, castigation, chastisement, correction, desert(s), discipline, nemesis, penalty, punishment, wrath, amends, compensation, indemnification, indemnity, quittance, recompense, recoupment, redress, remuneration, reparation(s), restitution

Near Antonyms of Retribution

clemency, grace, leniency, lenity, mercy, forgiveness, pardon, remission

Origin & Etymology of Retribution

Middle English retribucioun, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin retribution-, retributio, from Latin retribuere to pay back, from re- + tribuere to pay tribute

First known use: 14th century

Words & Phrases Containing Retribution

divine retribution

Frequently Asked Questions about Retribution

What does "Retribution" mean?

"Retribution" means something given or exacted in recompense; especially, punishment. As a noun, it is defined as: something given or exacted in recompense; especially, punishment.

What is another word for "Retribution"?

Other words for "Retribution" include payback, reprisal, requital, retaliation, revenge and vengeance. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Retribution" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Retribution"?

There are 29 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Retribution". Common alternatives include payback, reprisal, requital, retaliation, revenge and vengeance.

How do you use "Retribution" in a sentence?

Examples of "Retribution" in a sentence: "the neighborhood is being torn apart by an endless cycle of gang violence and retribution".

Is "Retribution" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Retribution" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Retribution"?

"Retribution" is pronounced /ˌre-trə-ˈbyü-shən/ and divided into syllables as ret·ri·bu·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Retribution"?

"Retribution" comes from Middle English retribucioun, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin retribution-, retributio, from Latin retribuere to pay back, from re- + tribuere to pay tribute. First known use: 14th century.

What is another word for "Retribution" meaning "the act or an instance of responding to an injury with an injury"?

When "Retribution" (noun) means the act or an instance of responding to an injury with an injury, synonyms include payback, reprisal, requital, retaliation, revenge and vengeance.