1
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
2
as in punitive
inflicting, involving, or serving as punishment
a corrective sentence of five years' hard labor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Recent Examples of corrective
Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
Gavin McKenna, a Penn State hockey forward and one of the top prospects for the 2026 NHL Draft, is facing a felony assault charge for allegedly hitting a man in the face in an altercation that resulted in the man needing corrective surgery, police say.
—Sean Gentille, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
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
Adjective
The man allegedly struck by McKenna suffered facial injuries that required corrective surgery, police said.
—Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
Gavin McKenna, a Penn State hockey forward and one of the top prospects for the 2026 NHL Draft, is facing a felony assault charge for allegedly hitting a man in the face in an altercation that resulted in the man needing corrective surgery, police say.
—Sean Gentille, New York Times, 4 Feb. 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
-
Although labeled a lateral move, this punitive transfer functioned as a demotion in responsibility, stature, and opportunity.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
14 Feb. 2026
-
The memo, written by district general counsel Sonja McKenzie, said Brenda Smith’s administrative leave is not considered by district officials to be a punitive action.—
Jessica Seaman,
Denver Post,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
If your aloe has produced offsets, when repotting, separate the offsets from the parent plant with a sharp knife.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Carbon offsets were achieved through the reforestation of the Nhamabwe salt pan with indigenous mangroves from the lodge’s own nursery.—
Megan Spurrell,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
For those gray, dreary Berlin February days, the Berlinale this year is offering a colorful fever dream of a cinematic antidote courtesy of Pakistan.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Woanger Set of 4 Wicker Storage Baskets Pretty, functional storage solutions are the perfect antidote to impractical minimalism.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The combination of sports and fashion is therefore expected to have a beneficial ripple effect across different industries.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Flowers attract pollinators, many of whom are beneficial insects that deter other pests.—
Peg Aloi,
The Spruce,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The correctional center's medical staff immediately treated him before he was taken to a local medical facility.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
31 Jan. 2026
-
The senior psychiatrist also helps run specialized treatment programs, takes part in hiring new psychiatrists, advises correctional staff on mental health issues and handles other tasks when needed.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Squeeze a drop of shampoo onto a damp cloth or towel to wipe away greasy cooking debris from whatever surface was hit, including the counter, stovetop, or backsplash.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Swift’s flawless blowout, worn tucked behind her ears, is elegant, lovely, and luxurious, offering a full-circle counter to her debut curls.—
Calin Van Paris,
InStyle,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The bill also gives the legal right to anyone who is harmed by such material to seek a remedy and bring an action against the entity that distributed the material.—
Mohamed Suliman,
Boston Herald,
16 Feb. 2026
-
In particular, the Justice Department is pressing for stiffer remedies in a verdict against Google over an alleged advertising monopoly.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Corrective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/corrective. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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