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
The liability that this study speaks to is not the only option for seeking legal redress. John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 23 Apr. 2025 Even under new leadership, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is required to enforce these provisions, empowering individuals to seek redress against discriminatory practices. Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
In bitter Orland Park mayoral race, Tribune Editorial Board endorses a return to civility The critics, Nate Mellman and Josh Gertz, oppose a three-year-old freshman curriculum dubbed Honors for All and meant to redress academic disparities between white students and Black and Hispanic students. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2025 The courts perpetuate a wrong and then fail to redress it Following her abandonment by the Barnetts in 2013, Natalia was taken in by Cynthia and Antwon Mans and their children. Aja Romano, Vox, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for redress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for redress
Noun
  • Demands in new legal filings have now reached $20 billion in reparations.
    Peter Bart, Deadline, 8 May 2025
  • After the talks began in August 1905, two sticking points quickly emerged: reparations and the future of Sakhalin.
    Timothy Naftali, Foreign Affairs, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • While embarking on mission to avenge Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal), the duo cross paths with a dangerous militant faction known as the Washington Liberation Front (W.L.F.) led by Isaac (Jeffrey Wright).
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 11 May 2025
  • James Hawes’ The Amateur, with Rami Malek as a low-key CIA employee intent on avenging his wife’s death, is based on a 1981 Robert Littell thriller that has been adapted before.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 7 May 2025
Noun
  • Others had to help Paredes with his job responsibilities without any compensation or reduction to their debt, according to officials.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 20 May 2025
  • The 2023 writers’ strike resulted in meaningful gains around minimum staffing requirements and compensation structures, suggesting the industry recognizes the problem.
    JD Barker, Rolling Stone, 20 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Redress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/redress. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on redress

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