redress 1 of 2

redress

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verb

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
However, after considering that ruling, which was largely seen as a win for the banks, the FCA still proposed an industry-wide redress scheme for certain types of compensation claims. William James, Reuters, 4 Aug. 2025 Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told the Financial Times that Washington must accept responsibility for the attacks and provide financial redress before nuclear negotiations could resume. Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
In due course, the winners can be demonized, while the losers exercise political pressure to prevent change and redress their own suffering. Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025 Getty Europe Has 'Made Mistakes' With Defense The tariffs imposed by Trump on Europe to try to redress trade imbalances have been another source of friction with the U.S. As a member of the European Union, Denmark does not hold separate trade negotiations with the United States. Matthew Tostevin, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for redress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for redress
Noun
  • People looking to support Avenue Grill as the restaurant undergoes reparations can keep the business in their prayers and stay connected via social media, such as Facebook and Instagram, for updates on reopening, according to a statement by Avenue Grill sent to the Free Press.
    Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The couple aims to build equity and give cultural reparations to Black artists while building the city's creative economy.
    Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 29 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Anisimova aims to avenge Wimbledon heartbreak The world of elite sports is littered with examples of players and teams that nearly reached the very top, only to fall short at the proverbial finish line.
    Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025
  • But the Spartans' next opponent, Boston College, may provide a true test for Michigan State, as the Spartans aim to avenge a 23-19 loss in the 2024 season and set themselves up for a good showing in Big Ten play.
    Christian Romo, Freep.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • For four years after that policy was crafted, NIL was the only avenue for above-board compensation for college athletes.
    Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Fifteen years ago, Mexican attorney Alma Barraza immersed herself in a legal fight to win fair compensation for indigent villagers who lost their property when the government seized land to build a dam.
    Ray Long, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Clemishire and her father are seeking civil damages in excess of $1 million.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The verdict, which multiple outlets reported took roughly one hour, carried financial implications—the jury decided whether the rapper would owe damages claimed by Ellis—and legal implications.
    Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Redress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/redress. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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