retribution

noun

ret·​ri·​bu·​tion ˌre-trə-ˈbyü-shən How to pronounce retribution (audio)
Synonyms of retributionnext
1
: recompense, reward
2
: the dispensing or receiving of reward or punishment especially in the hereafter
3
: something given or exacted in recompense
especially : punishment

Did you know?

With its prefix re-, meaning "back", retribution means literally "payback". And indeed we usually use it when talking about personal revenge, whether it's retribution for an insult in a high-school corridor or retribution for a guerrilla attack on a government building. But retribution isn't always so personal: God takes "divine retribution" on humans several times in the Old Testament, especially in the great Flood that wipes out almost the entire human race. And retribution for criminal acts, usually in the form of a prison sentence, is taken by the state, not the victims.

Synonyms

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Examples of retribution in a Sentence

The elastic-faced Ruck is a real find: his Cameron is a guilt-ridden, father-dominated nerd almost paralyzed with fear of parental retribution. — David Ansen, Newsweek, 16 June 1986
The two purposes that sustain the death penalty … in the Court's view are general deterrence and retribution. — Thurgood Marshall, Gregg v. Georgia, 1976
" … As for Cordelia, she went insane with remorse and was shut up in a lunatic asylum. I thought that was a poetical retribution for her crime." — Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables, 1908
The killer acted without fear of retribution. the neighborhood is being torn apart by an endless cycle of gang violence and retribution
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Auburn men’s basketball is the No. 1 overall seed for the NCAA Tournament and headed to the South Region, where coach Bruce Pearl and the Tigers will be trying to seek a little bit of retribution after a first-round ouster at the hands of Yale last season. — Dave Skretta, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025 These include Trump's ongoing efforts to drastically reduce federal spending and allegedly abusing his power while seeking retribution against political enemies. — Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025 Belinda is suspicious and could bring righteous retribution ... or become his next victim. — Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 9 Mar. 2025 As members of the Assad-era security services, Alawites engaged in some of the worst violations against those opposing Assad’s rule; many now fear retribution from Sunni hard-line factions that are part of post-Assad forces. — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for retribution

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of retribution was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing retribution

Rhymes for retribution

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Retribution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retribution. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

retribution

noun
ret·​ri·​bu·​tion ˌre-trə-ˈbyü-shən How to pronounce retribution (audio)
: something given in payment for a wrong : punishment

Legal Definition

retribution

noun
ret·​ri·​bu·​tion ˌre-trə-ˈbyü-shən How to pronounce retribution (audio)
: punishment imposed (as on a convicted criminal) for purposes of repayment or revenge for the wrong committed

More from Merriam-Webster on retribution

Nglish: Translation of retribution for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about retribution

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