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
The school also said that the district took corrective action, conducting an internal review and staff refresher guidance on safety. Cheryl Fiandaca, CBS News, 12 June 2026 Restaurants that receive more than 30 demerits are required to immediately fix the most critical violations and start corrective procedures on all the other violations within 48 hours. Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 June 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
  • Sanctions relief for Iran would follow a timetable that Washington and Tehran would need to agree upon and extend to the removal of punitive measures imposed on the country by the UN Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governors.
    Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 19 June 2026
  • European leaders also live in fear of additional punitive tariffs.
    Robert Kagan, The Atlantic, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • Other companies offering soil carbon offsets include Denmark’s Agreena, which describes itself as the largest soil carbon program in Europe.
    Jasmin Sykes, CNN Money, 19 June 2026
  • This structured pair is a close match to Lohan’s shorts with crisp offset pleats and an invisible hemline, both of which dress up the look.
    Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • From $1,100 Consider this a calming antidote to Queenstown’s adrenaline-inducing thrills.
    Todd Plummer, Robb Report, 19 June 2026
  • There are antidotes to the problem of our status quo’s ineffective and punitive safety net.
    Aisha Nyandoro, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • Medical professionals who specialize in addiction medicine say research that provides a clear understanding of kratom is beneficial.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • But in the garden, chervil is a powerhouse plant that can deter slugs and snails, while attracting beneficial bugs like hoverflies and ladybugs.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • Most recently, in April, a funding shortfall strained the supply of medicine, according to the two correctional health staff members who requested anonymity.
    Gavin J. Quinton, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • Rapid point-of-care syphilis tests should be deployed in emergency departments, urgent care centers, shelters, correctional settings, and mobile clinics.
    Jeffrey D. Klausner, STAT, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • But the court ruled in February that Republican counter plans violated a Utah referendum prohibiting gerrymandering, solidifying the single district centered on the increasingly liberal Salt Lake City.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • Moments later, a gong signaled a fictional airport announcement informing guests that the scheduled flight to Butterlandia had been canceled and directed them to a Butter Baby check-in counter for a complimentary gift.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • The defense team also pointed to another Utah criminal case in which prosecutors were accused of contempt and suggested that one potential remedy would be to bar the state from seeking the death penalty.
    Rebecca Boone, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026
  • The main remedy Robinson’s defense suggested if prosecutors were held in contempt was for the death penalty to be removed as a possible punishment, should Robinson be convicted.
    Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 22 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Corrective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/corrective. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

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