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
Joseph is seeking compensatory and punitive damages and payment of attorney fees in an amount to be determined at trial.
—
Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2026
Jones is seeking punitive damages against the mayor as well as compensatory damages, statutory damages under the Family Leave and Medical Act and the Illinois Whistleblower Act, and attorney’s fees and costs.
—Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
In the initial complaint against the Fox Corporation and Sanchez in connection with the assault, Tole hoped to receive an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages.
—Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 29 Dec. 2025
The company is seeking an additional $100,000 in punitive damages.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for punitive damages
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Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2026
Jones is seeking punitive damages against the mayor as well as compensatory damages, statutory damages under the Family Leave and Medical Act and the Illinois Whistleblower Act, and attorney’s fees and costs.
—Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
In the initial complaint against the Fox Corporation and Sanchez in connection with the assault, Tole hoped to receive an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages.
—Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 29 Dec. 2025
The company is seeking an additional $100,000 in punitive damages.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 23 Dec. 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 7 Jan. 2026.
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