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 couple is requesting that the punitive damages be thrown out, while also claiming that the award of future medical damages to Kallen is prohibited by civil code.
—
Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 2026
Clancy is seeking a jury trial and punitive damages in the case.
—Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 22 Jan. 2026
When it was first filed, the EEOC said its lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, as well as back pay for affected workers.
—Andrea Guzmán, Austin American Statesman, 15 Jan. 2026
According to the lawsuit, the employee wants compensatory and punitive damages, attorney fees and front pay, among other requests.
—Elyssa Kaufman, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for punitive damages
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Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 2026
Clancy is seeking a jury trial and punitive damages in the case.
—Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 22 Jan. 2026
When it was first filed, the EEOC said its lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, as well as back pay for affected workers.
—Andrea Guzmán, Austin American Statesman, 15 Jan. 2026
According to the lawsuit, the employee wants compensatory and punitive damages, attorney fees and front pay, among other requests.
—Elyssa Kaufman, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
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 28 Jan. 2026.
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