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 family seeks a trial and is suing for compensatory damages, punitive damages and attorneys' fees.
—
Erin Glynn, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025
After a 5 1/2 week trial, the jury returned verdicts against the camp for compensatory and punitive damages totaling more than $16.2 million.
—Michael Loria, USA Today, 8 July 2025
The jury voted 10-2 to award punitive damages against Spitzer.
—Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025
If the case goes to trial, LaBella and her attorneys are asking the jury to determine any potential punitive damages.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for punitive damages
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Erin Glynn, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025
After a 5 1/2 week trial, the jury returned verdicts against the camp for compensatory and punitive damages totaling more than $16.2 million.
—Michael Loria, USA Today, 8 July 2025
The jury voted 10-2 to award punitive damages against Spitzer.
—Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025
If the case goes to trial, LaBella and her attorneys are asking the jury to determine any potential punitive damages.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 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 31 Jul. 2025.
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