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
Whatever the reason, the effect is likely to mean more people from poorer non-EU regions rejected with little to no possibility of redress. Frey Lindsay, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025 In 2015, Sheila Slaughter Richey had asked for redress from Georgette Jones over statements made in the book and its promotion about George Richey, and a settlement was reached in 2019, which Richey’s lawyers said involved Georgette agreeing not to make further disparaging statements. Chris Willman, Variety, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
Among other things, the clauses would prevent member schools from seeking a court to redress claims against the College Sports Commission (CSC). Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 20 May 2025 France also requests the ICJ to order Iran to take all necessary measures without delay to put an end to these violations and to redress all their consequences. Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for redress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for redress
Noun
  • Should reparations be paid to the descendants of enslaved people?
    Marybeth Gasman, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
  • The second and third generations continue to press for material reparations and denuclearization.
    E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
Verb
  • Directed by Kevin McManus and Matthew McManus, the film centers on Irene, who attempts to avenge her daughter’s death by traveling through parallel universes to repeatedly kill her daughter’s murderer.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 18 June 2025
  • Concord-Carlisle avenged its 15-13 loss to the Ghosts on May 6.
    Jason Cooke, Boston Herald, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • In 2023, Jordan’s first full year as CEO, his total compensation was $9.3 million.
    Dan Reed, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • President Donald Trump's rapid pullback of the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has cost Americans at least $18 billion in higher fees and lost compensation for consumers allegedly cheated by major companies, according to an analysis released Tuesday by two organizations.
    Douglas Gillison, USA Today, 25 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Redress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/redress. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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