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
Ukraine, meanwhile, would remain deeply wounded and likely determined to seek redress. Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 18 June 2026 Still, seeking redress through the Federal Tort Claims Act is one of the few legal remedies available for those seeking financial compensation for deaths, physical injuries, emotional trauma, unlawful detention or property damage caused by federal employees. Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026
Verb
You’ll be redressed and out of the security line faster than all of your travel mates. Carin Ryan, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2026 In that settlement ‒ which, in contrast, was approved by a federal judge ‒ the Justice Department made $760 million available to redress farmers' claims of discrimination. Joey Garrison, USA Today, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for redress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for redress
Noun
  • The African Union has likewise made reparations a major political priority.
    Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Charne Tracey, from Lawyers for Human Rights, said the plaintiffs hoped the case would push the government into talks with survivors and families over reparations.
    Michelle Gumede, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The game marked Sanders' first time back in Atlanta as an FBS head coach, and helped the Buffaloes avenge last year's season-opening loss to Georgia Tech in Colorado.
    Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Israel invaded southern Lebanon in March after Hezbollah, a Shia Lebanese militant group backed by Iran, resumed strikes on Israel to avenge the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
    Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Quicken Loans is affiliated with Rocket Mortgage and its lender rankings can be influenced by compensation.
    Dan Simms, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Skains also accused Wojtelwicz of increasing her and other female employees’ workloads without extra compensation, according to the suit.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • All told, Trinity Valley must pay Skains just over $10 million intended to cover harm to her mental health and reputation, unpaid wages and benefits, and exemplary damages, according to the verdict.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The Tetris Company has won damages from developers making copycat games without a license before.
    Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 5 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Redress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/redress. Accessed 9 Sep. 2026.

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