punitive damages

plural noun

Synonyms of punitive damagesnext
: damages awarded in excess of compensation to the plaintiff to punish a defendant for a serious wrong

Examples of punitive damages in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The judge rejected her claims to triple any damages and pursue punitive damages. Janelle Ash , Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2026 Liman, however, denied Lively’s motion for triple damages and punitive damages, finding that those remedies are not available under federal law. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 12 June 2026 Liman ruled that Lively is entitled to attorneys' fees and litigation costs related to Baldoni's counterclaim under the California statute, but denied her request to pursue treble damages and punitive damages. Elizabeth Rosner, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026 The bill effectively imposes a limit on financial payouts by allowing compensatory damages but not punitive damages. ArsTechnica, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for punitive damages

Word History

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of punitive damages was in 1858

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Cite this Entry

“Punitive damages.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punitive%20damages. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

Legal Definition

punitive damages

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