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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The project also added ticket counters, and airport officials expect to open three new gates in late spring or early summer.—
Alex Driggars,
Austin American Statesman,
5 Mar. 2026
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Coffee spots like Pangolin Cafe fuel early trail missions; late nights steer you to craft cocktails, ramen counters, and bars with live local music.—
Ted Alvarez,
Outside,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Keep shopping for cold-hand antidotes from Amazon, below.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Feb. 2026
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The good news is that there are antidotes.—
Sally Jenkins,
The Atlantic,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In some cases, benefit offsets (where the VA withholds part of your monthly benefit to repay a debt) can be adjusted to reduce the financial strain.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
3 Mar. 2026
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And for the environmentally conscious, Avocado is a B-Corp brand that uses renewable energy at their factories and purchases carbon offsets for shipping.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Ford is offering software updates for Broncos and Edges, while developing remedies for other affected models.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
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Over-the-counter remedies for allergies According to Mayo Clinic, many types of nonprescription medications can help ease allergy symptoms.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The big benefit of this route is that debt relief companies specialize in negotiating with creditors to reduce balances and establish repayment agreements.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
6 Mar. 2026
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Median balances of $2,000 for boomers and $500 for Gen Xers, from Empower, reinforce the picture.—
Allison Palmer,
Sacbee.com,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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If anything, the war in the Middle East underscores the need for premier cybersecurity solutions.—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
4 Mar. 2026
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Atmos Technologies provides odor and emission control and foam cover solutions for landfill and remediation sites, according to its LinkedIn page.—
Laura Fay,
CBS News,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
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When clinicians practice this way, patients still seek out peers — but as companions, not counterweights.—
Scott Hamilton,
STAT,
4 Mar. 2026
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When the executive presides over the legislative branch and retains veto authority, meaningful institutional counterweights can become harder to sustain.—
Sara Albrecht,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Correctives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/correctives. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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