nonpunitive

adjective

non·​pu·​ni·​tive ˌnän-ˈpyü-nə-tiv How to pronounce nonpunitive (audio)
: not inflicting, involving, or aiming at punishment : not punitive
nonpunitive drug policies
taking nonpunitive measures

Examples of nonpunitive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Among those proposals: increasing the financial penalty for each truancy offense, lessening the burden on districts to bring students back in a nonpunitive way and reclassifying a parent found responsible for a child’s nonattendance at school as a Class C misdemeanor. Talia Richman, Dallas News, 14 Apr. 2023 Oregon has responded to this crisis with a nonpunitive approach. Grant Stringer, The Christian Science Monitor, 11 Oct. 2022 In other words, though a residency restriction may be called a civil, nonpunitive, regulatory rule, its effect could negate that stated intention, and it could still be found to be punitive. Bruce Vielmetti, Journal Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2022 What are healthy and nonpunitive ways to protect and empower Black girls and women? Cynthia R. Greenlee, SELF, 16 Sep. 2021 So the paper recommends, where possible, that more flexible work schedules, nonpunitive paid sick leave and telework options be offered more equitably to minorities. Nate Carlisle, The Salt Lake Tribune, 17 Aug. 2020 All will likely receive punitive or nonpunitive letters of reprimand, which typically end your career. Jamie McIntyre, Washington Examiner, 22 June 2020 There does appear to be some connection between the use of administrative segregation — a nonpunitive form of solitary confinement — and suicide attempts. Keri Blakinger, San Antonio Express-News, 7 Feb. 2018 A need in NOLA Taking a nonpunitive approach with students whose behavior might provoke suspensions and expulsions in mainstream schools, the program prioritizes behavioral skills over academic progress. Lucy Schouten, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 June 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nonpunitive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonpunitive was in 1863

Dictionary Entries Near nonpunitive

Cite this Entry

“Nonpunitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonpunitive. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on nonpunitive

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!