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
Related Words
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
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"The Cask Of Amontillado" by Edgar Allan Poe
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"The Cask of Amontillado"
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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.
His son returned, but Sameh, who declined to share his last name for fear of retribution, stayed behind to provide for the family.
From Barron's • May 9, 2026
In wrestling parlance, a “receipt” refers to retribution for a perceived slight or unnecessary use of physical force during a match.
From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026
What complicates the social media trials is there are bona fide problems young people face when logging online and seeking retribution feels natural.
From Salon • Apr. 16, 2026
Most spoke on condition of anonymity because they fear retribution, including those knowledgeable about the December 2020 Barr meeting.
From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026
Everyone was positive the disease had been inflicted upon the poor officer in retribution by Major de Coverley, although no one was sure how.
From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller
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.
