retaliations

Payback for wrongs

Retaliations are acts of revenge or reprisal—responses to injury or offense with similar treatment in return.

The word often appears in contexts of escalating conflict: The bombing prompted retaliations across the border.

Unlike a single retaliation, the plural suggests multiple acts or a pattern of vengeful responses: The gang war involved retaliations on both sides.

interpersonal

payback

Retaliation for wrongs

getting even · tit-for-tat · reciprocation · feuds · backstabbing · sabotage · cold shoulder · silent treatment · exclusion · spreading rumors

military

counterstrikes

Retaliatory offensive actions

drone strikes · missile strikes · incursions · offensives · escalations · reprisals · counteroffensives · surgical strikes · preemptive strikes · blockades

economic

tariffs

Taxes on imports

embargoes · import duties · export restrictions · price wars · market manipulation · currency devaluation · trade barriers · quotas · blacklisting · divestment

legal

lawsuits

Legal proceedings seeking remedy

discrimination claims · grievances · legal action · damages · settlements · injunctions · defamation suits · hostile work environment · harassment claims · unfair dismissal

gang

vendettas

Prolonged retaliatory conflicts

street violence · blood feuds · gang wars · shootings · intimidation · territory disputes · organized crime · contract killings · witness intimidation · protection rackets

Opposites
response to harm

retaliationsforgiveness

Releasing resentment toward offenders

pardons · absolutions · clemency · amnesty · letting go

conflict dynamics

retaliationspeacemaking

Resolving conflicts through negotiation

truces · ceasefires · peace offerings · de-escalations · olive branches

initiation vs. response

retaliationsprovocations

Acts meant to antagonize

aggressions · initiations · instigations · offenses · preemptive strikes

Phrases
Family

retaliation

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG