Definition of redressnext
as in to avenge
to punish in kind the wrongdoer responsible for the belief that redressing a murder with another murder, even if carried out by the state, is not morally justified

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb redress differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of redress are amend, correct, emend, rectify, reform, remedy, and revise. While all these words mean "to make right what is wrong," redress implies making compensation or reparation for an unfairness, injustice, or imbalance.

redress past social injustices

How is amend related to other words for redress?

Amend, reform, and revise imply an improving by making corrective changes, amend usually suggesting slight changes.

amend a law

When might correct be a better fit than redress?

The synonyms correct and redress are sometimes interchangeable, but correct implies taking action to remove errors, faults, deviations, defects.

correct your spelling

Where would emend be a reasonable alternative to redress?

Although the words emend and redress have much in common, emend specifically implies correction of a text or manuscript.

emend a text

When is rectify a more appropriate choice than redress?

The words rectify and redress can be used in similar contexts, but rectify implies a more essential changing to make something right, just, or properly controlled or directed.

rectify a misguided policy

In what contexts can reform take the place of redress?

While the synonyms reform and redress are close in meaning, reform implies drastic change.

plans to reform the court system

When can remedy be used instead of redress?

The words remedy and redress are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, remedy implies removing or making harmless a cause of trouble, harm, or evil.

set out to remedy the evils of the world

When could revise be used to replace redress?

In some situations, the words revise and redress are roughly equivalent. However, revise suggests a careful examination of something and the making of necessary changes.

revise the schedule

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 redress
Noun
Per Johnson’s worldview, heaping more debt burdens on future taxpayers is a way to redress inequities rather than a necessary tool to maintain the city’s infrastructure. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026 Amazon has issued more than $845 million in redress payments to consumers, according to the FTC. — Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026
Verb
In a confessional at the start of this week’s episode, Luke tries to redress his failure to communicate with Gen as an intentional attempt to guard Gen’s feelings in the middle of the charter. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 July 2026 About 10,000 small businesses tend to be ethical and work to redress the vast social justice abuses of the war on drugs. — Peter Grinspoon, STAT, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for redress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for redress
Noun
  • Charles landed in the South American country following an invitation from Guyanese President Irfaan Ali, who has publicly requested an apology as some Caribbean leaders press for slavery reparations.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The demand has nonetheless persisted, exposing for countries in question the inadequacy of indefinitely postponing reparations through diplomatic language.
    — Brooke N. Newman, The Conversation, 29 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Will the Panthers bounce back from another bad loss, or will the Packers avenge last week’s loss to the Lions?
    — OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Saturday’s matchup also gives Liberty motivation to avenge last season’s loss.
    — Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Weather and other circumstances can prompt Royal Caribbean to alter or substitute ports, according to its website, and it is not necessarily required to refund fares or provide compensation.
    — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Such facilities successfully operate today, prioritizing community leadership, transparency, compensation and quiet all at once.
    — Neil Chatterjee, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The club remained closed after the shooting, and the filing seeks $1 million in damages.
    — Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • General assertions of lost profits, out-of-pocket expenses and reputational harm did not satisfy the requirement to plead special damages, Gayles wrote.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Redress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/redress. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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