corrective

adjective

cor·​rec·​tive kə-ˈrek-tiv 

: intended to correct

corrective lenses

corrective punishment

corrective noun

correctively adverb

Synonyms of corrective

• reformative
• beneficial
• remedial

Examples of corrective in a Sentence

She had corrective surgery on her knee this past summer.

People with bad eyesight usually need to wear corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Recent Examples on the Web

Raffensperger's investigation will examine why the results were not initially uploaded, whether election procedures were followed and what corrective measures may be needed to prevent similar incidents. — Oliver Trapnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Nov. 2026

By May 1, DCF and AHCA had sent roughly 1 million corrective notices but still appealed the ruling. — Sharmila Venkatasubban, Sun Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026

The developer then needs to determine whether additional testing, corrective action or release restrictions are warranted. — Avani Desai, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2026

The license would remain suspended until the ​manufacturer conducts an effective root-cause analysis and implements corrective and preventive action, and could be restored only after regulators verify those measures have been implemented. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 5 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing corrective

• self-corrective

Rhymes for corrective

• advective
• affective
• collective
• connective
• convective
• defective
• detective
• directive
• effective
• elective
• infective
• injective

Kids Definition

corrective

adjective

cor·​rec·​tive kə-ˈrek-tiv 

: serving to correct : having the power of making right, normal, or regular

corrective lenses

corrective action

corrective noun

Medical Definition

corrective

1 of 2 adjective

cor·​rec·​tive kə-ˈrek-tiv 

: intended to correct

corrective lenses

corrective surgery

correctively adverb

corrective

2 of 2 noun

: a medication that removes undesirable or unpleasant side effects of other medication

phenobarbital acts as a corrective in overcoming the insomnia produced by ephedrine