corrective 1 of 2

Definition of correctivenext

corrective

2 of 2

noun

1
as in offset
a force or influence that makes an opposing force ineffective or less effective a substantial outflow of people proved to be the necessary corrective for the spiraling cost of housing

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in antidote
something that corrects or counteracts something undesirable the only corrective to bad behavior is good, firm discipline

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of corrective
Adjective
Again, Liberation is sort of a corrective to that. Greg Evans, Deadline, 26 May 2026 Likewise, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners stresses the importance of disclosure and corrective action after fraud occurs in any context. Sarah Webber, Fortune, 24 May 2026
Noun
Some of these values—such as a disciplined commitment to physical fitness—are good and, in my opinion, necessary correctives to the enervating distractions of 21st-century living. Dan Brooks, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025 The 2025 College Rankings from Washington Monthly offer a corrective. Bruno V. Manno, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for corrective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for corrective
Adjective
  • As part of the reformative aims of the convict system, many of these men were incarcerated at Fremantle Prison, trained, and put to work on infrastructure projects such as bridges, roads, and public buildings.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Fifty-five years after Martin Luther King's death, African Americans continue to proudly honor his reformative legacy in Phoenix.
    The Arizona Republic, The Arizona Republic, 14 Jan. 2024
Adjective
  • His erratic, punitive and ultimately unconstitutional approach to tariffs has resulted in an economic mess of payouts to farmers and reimbursements.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
  • The police department ordinarily aims to defer disciplinary issues at schools to staff for resolution rather than taking punitive action, Pieritz said.
    Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • During Disney’s most recent quarterly report in early May, the company’s entertainment segment reported that streaming revenue offset declines in both linear affiliate fees and advertising.
    Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 31 May 2026
  • Apply a thin crumb coat of buttercream over the entire cake to seal in crumbs, using an offset spatula to smooth it evenly.
    Kate Bradshaw, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2026
Noun
  • In turn, Mahan says his candidacy is an antidote to the populism on the right that is now matched by populism on the left.
    The Sacramento Bee staff, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026
  • Dabbling in this culinary staple is an antidote to uptight, disciplined design.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • Wearables can absolutely be beneficial for the right patients, and even life-saving.
    David Oliver, USA Today, 4 June 2026
  • According to Merrick, kratom has always been a big draw for Elixart’s customer base, offering them the opportunity to enjoy a beneficial beverage in a social environment, without alcohol.
    Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • Our organization also played a leading role in modernizing Connecticut;s correctional system, helping lay the groundwork for the creation of the Connecticut Department of Correction in 1968 and participating in the selection of its first commissioner.
    Beth Hines, Hartford Courant, 4 June 2026
  • Crucially, the governor’s proposal goes deep into state correctional institutions, pushing to elevate the starting pay of correctional officers and funding 500 new positions.
    John Koufos, Sun Sentinel, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • The rooms Suite living is the story here, with spacious layouts, full kitchens, granite counters, gas fireplaces, and balconies.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • Drip pan Each Nespresso machine has a drip pan for holding beverage containers and guarding against drips on the counter.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • In a loss, OpenAI could face pressure to implement remedies like age-gating free ChatGPT accounts to protect kids, shutting down conversations that discuss violence and suicide, and removing features that the state says deceptively make ChatGPT feel like talking to a human.
    Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 1 June 2026
  • Stories like Martinez’s are fueling interest in HBOT as a treatment for long COVID, a broad constellation of symptoms, including brain fog and debilitating fatigue that affects millions of people worldwide and has no clear remedy.
    Clarissa Brincat, Scientific American, 1 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Corrective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/corrective. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on corrective

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster