retribution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retribution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing punishment or consequences for wrongdoing, often in a moral or legal context. Example: "The court's decision was seen as a form of retribution for the crimes committed against the victims."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

According to a story passed down for generations, a Dane was caught hiding in the cathedral after a raid and, as retribution for the destruction wrought by his countrymen, was flayed alive.

The Guardian - Travel

While the police are necessarily involved with Channel, the actual process is designed to be as community-based as possible, gently nudging people back towards mainstream society rather than threatening them with retribution.

The Guardian

Typically, the mechanisms involved include retribution against perpetrators through the criminal justice system, and reparations to victims, including the return of property, financial compensation for suffering, or symbolic gestures such as overturning unjust convictions – as well as simply saying sorry.

The Guardian - Opinion

And if she misbehaved, there was violent retribution – on one occasion, she was punched in the face by Jak and dragged across the floor by the roof of her mouth.

The Guardian

Many MPs' inboxes are aflame with demands that Israel be unequivocally denounced, often with the assertion that silence is complicity in child-murder, sometimes with threats of retribution.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Yet another innocent, beloved pet has been shot and killed by a police officer," a character in the trademark Guy Fawkes mask said, warning of retribution against Coeur d'Alene police.

The Guardian

It is easy to forget how simple and superficially alluring wallowing in the feeling of injustice or retribution for past hurt can be.

The Guardian - Opinion

The diary exudes confession under compulsion – of imminent death, the fear of retribution in the afterlife, perhaps – but there is nothing of genuine atonement in it.

The Guardian

The government argued in Strasbourg that this section not only justifies but even requires the release of a prisoner whose continued detention cannot be justified on legitimate grounds of punishment, reform or retribution.

The Guardian

Masipa also erred in overemphasising the purpose of rehabilitation and reformation at the cost of retribution, the prosecutors contend".We will argue that the sentence is inappropriate and shockingly light for someone that killed an innocent person with gross negligence where his conduct bordered on dolus eventualis".

The Guardian

Hamideh said that many families on Monday did not send their children to Islamic schools for fear of retribution.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "retribution" when you want to emphasize the moral justification or sense of justice in the punishment being inflicted. It carries a stronger connotation of deservedness than simply "punishment".

Common error

Don't use "retribution" when the focus is on reforming the offender. "Retribution" emphasizes punishment for past actions, while rehabilitation focuses on preventing future offenses.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "retribution" is as a noun. It refers to the act of taking revenge, penalizing, or giving justice to someone for wrongdoing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "retribution" is a noun that signifies punishment inflicted as a form of moral outrage or personal vengeance. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and commonly used in English. Its usage spans across various contexts, notably news, formal writing, and legal discussions. While alternatives like "revenge" and "vengeance" exist, "retribution" carries a stronger emphasis on the moral justification of the punishment. To ensure effective communication, remember that "retribution" should be used when the emphasis is on justice, and not rehabilitation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revenge

Implies a personal act of retaliation, often emotional and immediate.

vengeance

Suggests a more calculated and often excessive form of revenge.

reprisal

Indicates a retaliatory action, often in a political or military context.

requital

Formal term suggesting a fair return, either positive or negative, for actions.

just deserts

Idiomatic phrase emphasizing the appropriateness of the punishment received.

punishment

General term for the infliction of penalties for wrongdoing.

payback

Informal term for getting even or settling a score.

comeuppance

Suggests a deserved misfortune or setback.

deserved consequence

Highlights the causal link between an action and its negative outcome.

retaliation

Indicates a direct response to an action, often aggressive.

FAQs

How to use "retribution" in a sentence?

Use "retribution" to describe punishment inflicted as a form of moral outrage or personal vengeance. For example, "The community demanded "swift retribution" for the heinous crime."

What can I say instead of "retribution"?

You can use alternatives like "revenge", "vengeance", "reprisal", or "requital" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "retribution" and "revenge"?

"Retribution" implies a sense of justice or moral justification in the punishment, while "revenge" suggests a more personal and often emotional act of retaliation.

Is "retribution" the same as "punishment"?

While related, "retribution" carries a stronger connotation of moral outrage and the idea of deserved payback. "Punishment" is a broader term for any penalty imposed for wrongdoing, without necessarily implying the same level of moral judgment.