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
Brown’s citation earlier this week was seen by some close watchers of the award as a kind of corrective. Max Tani, semafor.com, 6 May 2026 Software engineers are also looking at how AIs can be adapted to spot the early signs that conversations are veering into dark territory and issue corrective actions. IEEE Spectrum, 6 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
  • Still employed, but no raise The mayor’s colleagues wisely rejected that punitive step, and commissioners Steve Glassman and John Herbst then joined the mayor in rejecting a 3% merit pay raise for Williams.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2026
  • His persistence in teaching, even under Lomax’s punitive schedules, shows his resilience.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • Transfer dough to prepared pan and, using an offset spatula lightly coated with nonstick spray, spread into an even layer, working all the way to the edges.
    Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2026
  • When the offset bulbs are sending up stems, and there is too much competition for space and resources, the patch of bulbs will produce fewer, or smaller, flowers than before.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • There are questions being raised, and the best antidote for falsehood is the truth in accuracy.
    Adam Sabes , Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026
  • Wednesday’s debate, hosted by Los Angeles NBC and Telemundo affiliates, initially seemed like a far calmer antidote to a combative CNN forum Tuesday night.
    Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • The park said tipsters may remain anonymous, though officials noted that sharing information could be beneficial to National Park Service investigators.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 7 May 2026
  • The messaging has remained constant, and it’s proven beneficial to all parties involved.
    Jaylon Thompson May 7, Kansas City Star, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • The arrest document said Regina Cantrell is a Johnson County correctional officer.
    Marvin Hurst, CBS News, 6 May 2026
  • Wilske’s complaint questioned why the police officers didn’t request additional information from dispatch, especially since one of the correctional officers was on an open line with dispatch when Anderson shot Wilske.
    Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 5 May 2026
Noun
  • Over the weekend, Iran made a counter proposal to end the war.
    Sudarsan Raghavan, New Yorker, 12 May 2026
  • The one-story four-bedroom has an open plan, with oversize windows, high ceilings, wood-look tile flooring, a primary bath with two vanities and zigzag floors, an office, and a kitchen with quartz counters and stainless appliances.
    The Week US, TheWeek, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • Packed with nutrients like calcium, protein, and beneficial compounds, milk has benefits when used as a homemade garden remedy.
    Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 11 May 2026
  • In 1946, an émigré Frenchman turned Harvard professor, Georges Doriot, proposed an audacious remedy.
    David H. Hsu, Fortune, 11 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Corrective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/corrective. Accessed 15 May. 2026.

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