redress 1 of 2

redress

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verb

as in to avenge
to punish in kind the wrongdoer responsible for the belief that redressing a murder with another murder, even if carried out by the state, is not morally justified

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb redress differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of redress are amend, correct, emend, rectify, reform, remedy, and revise. While all these words mean "to make right what is wrong," redress implies making compensation or reparation for an unfairness, injustice, or imbalance.

redress past social injustices

How is amend related to other words for redress?

Amend, reform, and revise imply an improving by making corrective changes, amend usually suggesting slight changes.

amend a law

When might correct be a better fit than redress?

The synonyms correct and redress are sometimes interchangeable, but correct implies taking action to remove errors, faults, deviations, defects.

correct your spelling

Where would emend be a reasonable alternative to redress?

Although the words emend and redress have much in common, emend specifically implies correction of a text or manuscript.

emend a text

When is rectify a more appropriate choice than redress?

The words rectify and redress can be used in similar contexts, but rectify implies a more essential changing to make something right, just, or properly controlled or directed.

rectify a misguided policy

In what contexts can reform take the place of redress?

While the synonyms reform and redress are close in meaning, reform implies drastic change.

plans to reform the court system

When can remedy be used instead of redress?

The words remedy and redress are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, remedy implies removing or making harmless a cause of trouble, harm, or evil.

set out to remedy the evils of the world

When could revise be used to replace redress?

In some situations, the words revise and redress are roughly equivalent. However, revise suggests a careful examination of something and the making of necessary changes.

revise the schedule

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of redress
Noun
Lawyers representing those seeking damages from the church welcomed the court decision as a major first step toward redress. arkansasonline.com, 26 Mar. 2025 Federal Government redress of any wrongful dismissals is overdue. Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
Verb
If this requirement isn’t met for teachers, for instance, the school system would be subject to penalties and must redress the situation. Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2025 Elevating character alongside competence in human resource practices such as culture, selection, performance management, and promotion would go a long way to redressing imbalances and strengthening the system. Mary Crossan, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for redress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for redress
Noun
  • The legislation would create a commission to study reparations and develop proposals.
    Deborah Barfield Berry, USA Today, 20 June 2025
  • Several states and cities have established reparations commissions to study and recommend ways to address the legacy of slavery and its continuing impact on Black communities.
    Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Forty-two years after that, Titus captured and destroyed the city of Jerusalem; that act avenged the murder of Christ.
    Mary Jo Bang July 9, Literary Hub, 9 July 2025
  • In 2019, Mercado avenged that loss to Zarika, beating her by decision and taking her title.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • The compensation failed to account for the lifetime of income and family wealth his land provided.
    Willem Marx, NPR, 7 July 2025
  • New York was able to benefit somewhat from the move, acquiring draft compensation from the Miami Dolphins for Waller.
    Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Redress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/redress. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on redress

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