as in correctional
inflicting, involving, or serving as punishment
any misbehavior was immediately met with a punitive response the company had to pay a million dollars in punitive damages
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Recent Examples of punitive
By 1776, that grievance was likely aimed at Britain’s punitive wartime shutdowns of Colonial commerce.
—
Joseph Thorndike,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2026
While the list carries few immediate legal repercussions, it’s widely considered a red flag to investors that can precede more punitive trade restrictions.
—
Angela Cullen,
Fortune,
27 June 2026
Once people are primed to see isolated criminal acts as collective proof, punitive policy can begin to sound like common sense rather than ideology.
—
Donathan L. Brown,
The Conversation,
24 June 2026
That was Ned Tanen, who did something indefensible and punitive to Lucas.
—
Mike Fleming Jr,
Deadline,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for punitive
Joseph Thorndike,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2026
While the list carries few immediate legal repercussions, it’s widely considered a red flag to investors that can precede more punitive trade restrictions.
—
Angela Cullen,
Fortune,
27 June 2026
Once people are primed to see isolated criminal acts as collective proof, punitive policy can begin to sound like common sense rather than ideology.
—
Donathan L. Brown,
The Conversation,
24 June 2026
That was Ned Tanen, who did something indefensible and punitive to Lucas.
—
Mike Fleming Jr,
Deadline,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for punitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punitive
Adjective
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Modern correctional systems must ensure that participation remains voluntary and that inmates of all faiths—or no faith at all—receive equal treatment.
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The teen told a Washington County correctional employee who was visiting her school for a career fair in April.
Adjective
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The 47-month sentence is notable given the Dutch penal system’s typically short prison terms.
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Colorado was the first of eight states to repeal its penal exception clause.
Adjective
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An additional open question is whether an innocent taxpayer’s corrective amendment after discovering the preparer’s fraud would have any legal effect on the SOL.
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Unlike many plants, a peace lily doesn't typically require corrective pruning.
Cite this Entry
“Punitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punitive. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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