compensatory damages
noun
: money awarded to a victim to make up for an injury, damage, etc.
The patient sued for compensatory damages.
Examples of compensatory damages in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The family seeks a trial and is suing for compensatory damages, punitive damages and attorneys' fees.
—
Erin Glynn, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025
Punitive Damages Award Gutted, July 8, 2025 Judge Selna issued a ruling that effectively slashed the $53.6 million punitive award down to $1 while leaving the $17.9 million award for compensatory damages in place.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 10 July 2025
If you are injured in a car crash and collect $50,000 in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages, the former is tax-free.
—Robert W. Wood, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
The jury found Vintage Brand had willfully violated trademark law and awarded the school $28,000 in compensatory damages.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for compensatory damages
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Erin Glynn, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025
Punitive Damages Award Gutted, July 8, 2025 Judge Selna issued a ruling that effectively slashed the $53.6 million punitive award down to $1 while leaving the $17.9 million award for compensatory damages in place.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 10 July 2025
If you are injured in a car crash and collect $50,000 in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages, the former is tax-free.
—Robert W. Wood, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
The jury found Vintage Brand had willfully violated trademark law and awarded the school $28,000 in compensatory damages.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for compensatory damages
Cite this Entry
“Compensatory damages.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compensatory%20damages. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share