Synonyms for
Retaliation
Definition
Retaliation means to hurt someone because they hurt you first.
Synonyms & similar words
Synonyms by register
Formal
Informal
Antonyms
Common collocations
- act of retaliation
- economic retaliation
- military retaliation
- nuclear retaliation
- retaliation for
- seek retaliation
- face retaliation
Word family
Usage note
Retaliation implies a response to a harmful action, often with a similar harmful action. It carries a negative connotation, suggesting a cycle of aggression.
Example sentences
- She decided to take retaliation against her sister because she broke her toy.
- The boy retaliates by throwing a snowball back at his friend.
- The company faced retaliation from the public after the scandal.
- The teacher warned the student of the possible retaliation from the bullies if she reported them.
- The victim chose not to seek retaliation and instead forgave the offender.
Quotes
An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind. - Mahatma Gandhi
Retaliation is related to nature and instinct, not to law. Law, by definition, cannot obey the same rules as nature. - Albert Camus
Hate begets hate; violence begets violence; toughness begets a greater toughness. We must meet the forces of hate with the power of love. - Martin Luther King Jr.
Topics
Guides
Explore more words
- Similar popularity: university, international, association, individual, immediately, particularly, opportunity, administration