What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
retaliation
Example
The company threatened retaliation against the union if they went on strike. [retaliation: noun]
Example
He retaliated by spreading rumors about his ex-girlfriend after their breakup. [retaliated: verb]
retribution
Example
The judge sentenced the criminal to life in prison as retribution for his heinous crimes. [retribution: noun]
Example
The company faced retribution from the public after it was revealed they were polluting the environment. [retribution: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Retaliation is more commonly used than retribution in everyday language. Retaliation is often used in personal or individual contexts, while retribution is more commonly used in legal or justice contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between retaliation and retribution?
Retaliation is typically associated with a more informal or negative tone, while retribution is more formal and has a more positive or just connotation.
