1
as in counters
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
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2
as in antidotes
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 correctives
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
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
These are not radical demands, but overdue correctives necessary for restoring public trust in higher education.
—Ilya Shapiro, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025
Sarah Chihaya, New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2026
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
These are not radical demands, but overdue correctives necessary for restoring public trust in higher education.
—Ilya Shapiro, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for correctives
Noun
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These tiers can help display more petite refreshments, adding depth to your tablescape or saving space on your tables and counters.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
19 June 2026
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Why scent is trending right now Social media did what perfume counters could not.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Kansas City Star,
18 June 2026
Noun
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There are antidotes to the problem of our status quo’s ineffective and punitive safety net.—
Aisha Nyandoro,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
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The vision underpinning the project reflects Karmitz’s belief that cinemas should serve as antidotes to digital isolation.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
10 June 2026
Noun
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Unlike private debts, these types of federal debts can sometimes result in benefit offsets or other collection actions.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
22 June 2026
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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
Noun
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For his part, Sherman, a long-time champion of wriggling remedies, cheered the clearance as a step forward for MDT generally.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
17 June 2026
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Giamusso, the bureau spokesperson, denied that these are reasons a person in prison would have their remedies rejected.—
Christie Thompson,
NPR,
17 June 2026
Noun
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The stock market's near record highs, swelling 401(k)s and other retirement account balances.—
Medora Lee,
USA Today,
20 June 2026
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Noticing balances thinking without replacing it.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
Noun
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Ali Aydan is the founder and CEO of DORIX, building Britain’s smart access solutions legacy brand.—
Ali Aydan,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
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For more nostalgic Tupperware finds and other useful food storage solutions at Amazon, keep reading.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
23 June 2026
Noun
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Built by the Mosler Safe Company in Ohio, the vault’s doors opened upward, activated by two massive counterweights that swung down at the press of a button.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 May 2026
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Other items from the ship, including the ballasts that served as counterweights for the human cargo, are remaining on display and will be returned to South Africa in two years.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
13 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Correctives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/correctives. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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