CORRECTIVE Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

corrective 1 of 2

adjective

kə-ˈrek-tiv

Definition of corrective

as in reformative

serving to raise or adjust something to some standard or proper condition eyeglasses are called corrective lenses by the department of motor vehicles

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in punitive

inflicting, involving, or serving as punishment a corrective sentence of five years' hard labor

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

corrective

2 of 2

noun

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

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

Record which component failed, the product’s age, symptoms, installation conditions, corrective action and the time required to resolve it. — Christopher Kiggins, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026 Yet even after federal intervention and the corrective action plan, large districts like Houston and Austin school districts struggled to meet IDEA requirements for thousands of children over several years. — David Edward Dematthews, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026

Noun

These are all refreshing correctives to the texts that previously stood in for contemporary Japan internationally, including any number of small volumes about magical cafés, bookshops, or libraries, often with cats on their covers. — Sarah Chihaya, New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2026 The Young Hoteliers Academy positions itself as a corrective. — Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 30 Oct. 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

Definition of reformative

Adjective

Yet there are few examples in history of adversaries conceding to maximalist demands in the face of punitive bombing campaigns alone—even by the world’s greatest air force.

— Justin Bronk, Foreign Affairs, 13 Oct. 2026
An exploration of self-perception and a non-punitive confrontation with the past.

— Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of punitive

Noun

His conservatism was seen by many as an antidote to the excesses of the 1960s and 1970s.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
The revival of physical media and the skyrocketing value of elaborate consumer experiences is very real and emerging as an antidote to fears that AI is changing everything.

— Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of antidote

Adjective

More research is needed to better understand the connection between creatine and cognition; but the supplement may be beneficial for brain health, particularly in older adults and for issues related to sleep deprivation.

— Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
But Helland said such undertakings, while potentially beneficial, were voluntary on the part of the cities.

— Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of beneficial

Adjective

In general, correctional officers should not be involved with inmates’ medical decisions, but health care providers do not have the authority to remove restraints; such decisions reside with the correctional facility.

— M. Sara Rosenthal, STAT, 13 Oct. 2026
Just under 34,000 employees work for the agency, but not all are correctional officers.

— Scott Peyton, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of correctional

Noun

In practice, that means keeping prep tools like knives, cutting boards and mixing bowls together near one counter and storing cookware, oils and utensils close to the stove.

— Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026
The meat department calls to us, and as Yoon and I pace the counter, we’re hypnotized by the kaleidoscopic marbling on the pre-cut jowl, short rib and brisket.

— Vanessa Anderson, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of counter

Noun

His attorney, Brian Williams, argued that the Fifth Amendment itself provides a legal avenue for seeking compensation, regardless of other remedies that may have been available.

— Brian Unger, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
If symptoms persist through drugstore remedies, do not wait it out.

— Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of remedy

Browse Nearby Words

correctitude

corrective

correctives

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Style

“Corrective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/corrective. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of corrective

adjective

noun

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