as in correctional
inflicting, involving, or serving as punishment
any misbehavior was immediately met with a punitive response the company had to pay a million dollars in punitive damages
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Recent Examples of punitive
An administrative complaint will start the discipline process that can lead to punitive action or exoneration.
—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
21 June 2026
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
There are antidotes to the problem of our status quo’s ineffective and punitive safety net.
—
Aisha Nyandoro,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for punitive
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
21 June 2026
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
There are antidotes to the problem of our status quo’s ineffective and punitive safety net.
—
Aisha Nyandoro,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for punitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punitive
Adjective
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Modern correctional systems must ensure that participation remains voluntary and that inmates of all faiths—or no faith at all—receive equal treatment.
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The teen told a Washington County correctional employee who was visiting her school for a career fair in April.
Adjective
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The 47-month sentence is notable given the Dutch penal system’s typically short prison terms.
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Colorado was the first of eight states to repeal its penal exception clause.
Adjective
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The effects of disease should be monitored so corrective action can be taken when necessary, according to the report.
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Integrating digital into an already mature lean environment can help executives understand what corrective measures haven’t been acted on, but technology alone isn’t enough for true accountability.
Cite this Entry
“Punitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punitive. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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