nonpunitive
adjective
non·pu·ni·tive
ˌnän-ˈpyü-nə-tiv 
: 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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Nonpunitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonpunitive. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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