RETALIATION Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

retaliation

noun

Definition of retaliation

as in revenge

the act or an instance of responding to an injury with an injury police believe that the murder was in retaliation for an earlier gangland execution

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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.

Recent Examples of retaliation The lawsuit claimed Hector was fired in retaliation for her outspoken opposition to censorship efforts directed toward the library. — Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 27 Aug. 2026 The woman, who requested anonymity due to fear of retaliation, and witnesses said she was pushed. — Hannah Ruhoff, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026 Sources also described to IndieWire direct threats and an alarming pattern of retaliation in which Pereira allegedly continues targeting some critics online for months and, in some cases, even years after their initial disputes. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 Aug. 2026 Flores and his attorney allege the case was further retaliation for his decision to file a lawsuit. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 The month prior, Liman dismissed all but three of Lively's 16 causes of action in her December 2024 breach of contract and retaliation lawsuit and she and Baldoni were set to go to trial. — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 Donald had been kidnapped, beaten and killed by klansmen in retaliation for the killing of a police officer – a crime Donald had no involvement in – and to intimidate Black jurors from ruling in favor of Black defendants. — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026 Those capture Nvidia's report this week, the September 8 Canadian retaliation date, and the Treasury's entire buyback window beginning September 9, the September FOMC rate decision, and a host of other potential market-moving catalysts. — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026 Shortly after the new 50% tariffs kicked in, Canada's Carney promised retaliation. — ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retaliation

Noun

Kim plays Seo Yeon-woo, the strategist behind Jeong’s push for revenge, bringing a sharp eye for judgment and motives all his own.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Images depicting the deaths of Trump and members of his family have since featured prominently in Iranian calls for revenge.

— Chad de Guzman, Time, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of revenge

Noun

But Blanche’s policy priorities are often overshadowed by a growing number of investigations that have drawn criticism that the department is being used as a weapon in the president’s campaign of retribution.

— Alanna Durkin Richer, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
But park officials never addressed her report or checked on their wellbeing, said the woman, who is a nationwide passholder and asked to remain anonymous to avoid retribution from Six Flags.

— Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of retribution

Browse Nearby Words

retaliating

retaliation

retaliations

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“Retaliation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retaliation. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of retaliation

noun

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