punitive damages
plural noun
: 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
The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages and calls for an independent review of TDCJ's use-of-force policies and equipment practices.
—
Beatrice Peterson, ABC News, 19 Dec. 2025
According to the lawsuit, Javier Esqueda is seeking compensatory damages for malicious prosecution, the loss of income, punitive damages, as well as attorney fees.
—Dave Savini, CBS News, 13 Dec. 2025
Pierce was also ordered to pay $5,000 in punitive damages, plus $1 in nominal damages for installing the video camera.
—Rose Evans
updated December 10, Idaho Statesman, 10 Dec. 2025
Fishback told that under his employment agreement, he is required to pay legal fees and that the company has never asked him for compensatory or punitive damages.
—Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for punitive damages
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Beatrice Peterson, ABC News, 19 Dec. 2025
According to the lawsuit, Javier Esqueda is seeking compensatory damages for malicious prosecution, the loss of income, punitive damages, as well as attorney fees.
—Dave Savini, CBS News, 13 Dec. 2025
Pierce was also ordered to pay $5,000 in punitive damages, plus $1 in nominal damages for installing the video camera.
—Rose Evans
updated December 10, Idaho Statesman, 10 Dec. 2025
Fishback told that under his employment agreement, he is required to pay legal fees and that the company has never asked him for compensatory or punitive damages.
—Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for punitive damages
Cite this Entry
“Punitive damages.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punitive%20damages. Accessed 23 Dec. 2025.
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