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
That decision means the jury can also issue punitive damages, which could result in millions more being awarded.
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Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
The jury also found that Grossman and Erickson acted with malice, potentially triggering a punitive damages phase of trial that could result in further penalties.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 4 June 2026
The jury also found that Grossman and Erickson acted with malice, potentially triggering a punitive damages phase of trial that could result in further penalties.
—Julie Sharp, CBS News, 3 June 2026
But its award far exceeded the purpose and function of punitive damages.
—Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for punitive damages
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Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
The jury also found that Grossman and Erickson acted with malice, potentially triggering a punitive damages phase of trial that could result in further penalties.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 4 June 2026
The jury also found that Grossman and Erickson acted with malice, potentially triggering a punitive damages phase of trial that could result in further penalties.
—Julie Sharp, CBS News, 3 June 2026
But its award far exceeded the purpose and function of punitive damages.
—Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 29 May 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 10 Jun. 2026.
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