What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
reprisal
Example
The country threatened to take military reprisals if the enemy continued to attack. [reprisal: noun]
Example
The company's decision to lay off workers was seen as a reprisal for their union activities. [reprisal: adjective]
retribution
Example
The criminal received retribution for his crimes when he was sentenced to life in prison. [retribution: noun]
Example
The company's unethical practices eventually led to retribution from the government. [retribution: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Retribution is more commonly used than reprisal in everyday language. Retribution is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while reprisal is less common and often used in legal or political contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between reprisal and retribution?
Both reprisal and retribution are formal words that are often used in legal or political contexts. However, reprisal may have a slightly more negative connotation and may be associated with aggression or retaliation, while retribution is more focused on justice and fairness.
