as in correctional
inflicting, involving, or serving as punishment
any misbehavior was immediately met with a punitive response the company had to pay a million dollars in punitive damages
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of punitive
And while some in the Trump administration have criticized Israel over the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, there has been no indication the US would take any punitive actions against it.
—
Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 24 May 2025
Taking that away seems punitive, especially in the wake of a championship.
—Michael Silver, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Before the human rights of the famous can be handled with more care in the event of allegations, the deep social stigma and purely punitive attitude toward drug abuse in Korea would have to change, An argues.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025
The Ag Department’s punitive bite in these cases is limited to a cease-and-desist order with fines up to $5,000.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 18 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for punitive
Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 24 May 2025
Taking that away seems punitive, especially in the wake of a championship.
—Michael Silver, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Before the human rights of the famous can be handled with more care in the event of allegations, the deep social stigma and purely punitive attitude toward drug abuse in Korea would have to change, An argues.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025
The Ag Department’s punitive bite in these cases is limited to a cease-and-desist order with fines up to $5,000.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 18 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for punitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punitive
Adjective
-
In the report on El Salvador, whose penal system has become a dumping ground for migrants deported from the United States, there will be no details on the conditions in those prisons.—
Gal Beckerman,
The Atlantic,
1 May 2025
-
Convicted in London for conducting clandestine marriages, Grierson was sentenced to 14 years of penal servitude in the American Colonies.—
Alexandra Cox,
Smithsonian Magazine,
10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The immediate alternative keeps readers engaged to learn the better approach and take corrective action.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
-
Baca sees the workshops as a corrective for military training.—
Dina Litovsky,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Punitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punitive. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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