redress 1 of 2

Definition of redressnext

redress

2 of 2

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 state inquiry led to a formal government apology in 2021, the announcement of a redress scheme and an apology from the Sisters of Bon Secours. Kara Fox, CNN Money, 6 Dec. 2025 But on October 16th 2025—which would have been Wilde’s 171st birthday—the stars aligned for redress. Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
To redress this at his own bakery, Castel created his pain d’hier et de demain (the bread of yesterday and tomorrow), made from stale, unsold inventory. Vivian Song, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025 In his nitpicking and narcissism, the relatability of his grievances and his unhinged methods of redressing them, Ron also resembles a younger, Middle American version of Larry David’s Curb Your Enthusiasm antihero. Judy Berman, Time, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for redress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for redress
Noun
  • Newman’s work has been welcomed by reformers and those who have been arguing, for years, in favor of British reparations to societies that have borne the legacy of its slaving activities.
    Sam Knight, New Yorker, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Conversations around reparations in the United States are not new, nor are conversations about the legitimacy of Puerto Rico being its own country, separate of American influence and control.
    Taylor Crumpton, Time, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The director frames the film as an immersion into the mind of one such figure — shaped by social discontent, inequality and state repression — who triggers revolt to avenge the death of his dog.
    Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Bella Ramsey takes a break from killing zombies and avenging father figures, their usual pastimes in series The Last of Us, to fool around and fall in love in Sunny Dancer, a decidedly uneven but fitfully charming, YA-skewed British comedy-drama.
    Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The Teamsters argue the program violates six articles of the five-year union contract because it wasn’t negotiated and any program that changes the terms of employment, such as compensation and separation, must be bargained with the union.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 13 Feb. 2026
  • That said, not all women who apply become surrogates, notes Enders-Tharp, and those who are selected are paid fair compensation for their role.
    Kris Ann Valdez, Parents, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The complaint does not list a specific dollar amount the city is seeking in damages.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
  • The Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit seeks unspecified damages.
    City News Service, Daily News, 19 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Redress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/redress. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

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