Escaping punishment is such a common phrase, but what other synonyms are there that can be used instead? One could use the term avoiding penalty, evading retribution, or sidestepping consequence. Another alternative would be to say that someone has gotten away scot-free or has gone unpunished. Absolution, exoneration, and amnesty could also be used in cases where someone manages to avoid punishment entirely. Those who escape punishment often do so by covering up their actions or convincing others that they were not at fault, so synonyms like covering up, concealing or hiding the truth, or deflecting blame may also be appropriate.