retributive
adjective
re·trib·u·tive
ri-ˈtri-byə-tiv 
: of, relating to, or marked by retribution
retributively
adverb
Examples of retributive in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The twist of the knife that unleashes Sienna's retributive fury is a revelation that the gruesome pair killed, beheaded, and seemingly stripped the flesh from Jonathan's skull.
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EW.com, 17 Oct. 2024
Ultimately, the goal is to break free from the same cycle of retributive politics that has dogged Bangladesh for decades.
—Charlie Campbell, TIME, 3 Oct. 2024
Rather, the Chinese Communist Party is also given credit for its ability to satisfy the public’s strong desire for retributive justice.
—Dan Chen, The Conversation, 24 June 2024
Earlier this year, in a clear attempt to encourage retributive attacks in the United States, ISIS reported that U.S. forces had destroyed Iraq’s al-Nuri mosque.
—Michael S. Smith Ii, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2017
See all Example Sentences for retributive 
EW.com, 17 Oct. 2024
Ultimately, the goal is to break free from the same cycle of retributive politics that has dogged Bangladesh for decades.
—Charlie Campbell, TIME, 3 Oct. 2024
Rather, the Chinese Communist Party is also given credit for its ability to satisfy the public’s strong desire for retributive justice.
—Dan Chen, The Conversation, 24 June 2024
Earlier this year, in a clear attempt to encourage retributive attacks in the United States, ISIS reported that U.S. forces had destroyed Iraq’s al-Nuri mosque.
—Michael S. Smith Ii, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2017
See all Example Sentences for retributive
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'retributive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Retributive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retributive. Accessed 25 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
retributive
adjective
re·trib·u·tive
ri-ˈtrib-yət-iv
: of, relating to, or marked by retribution
retributive justice
retributively
adverb
Legal Definition
retributive
adjective
re·trib·u·tive
ri-ˈtri-byə-tiv
: of, relating to, or marked by retribution
retributive justice
retributively
adverb
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