RETRIBUTIVE Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

retributive

adjective

Definition of retributive

as in retaliatory

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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 retributive The Front Page Highlights The president’s unilateral and retributive style of governing is starting to hit a wall in both chambers of Congress. — Katie Rogers Adriana Loureiro Fernandez Nina Agrawal Ryan Mac, New York Times, 5 June 2026 The images captured by bystanders and immigration agents were reminiscent of the lynching postcards that white spectators once bought and traded — reproductions of retributive violence, tailor-made to titillate and intimidate. — Tressie McMillan Cottom, Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2026 For millennia, punishment was considered morally defensible purely on retributive grounds. — Paul Rosenzweig, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 2026 The Austro-Hungarian Empire’s retributive demands against Serbia led Russia, a Serbian ally, to mobilize its forces, which in turn provoked Germany to build up troops against Russia and England, another Russian ally. — Joel Wuthnow, Foreign Affairs, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for retributive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retributive

Adjective

The European Union prepared retaliatory tariffs against the United States last year but repeatedly suspended them while negotiating with Washington.

— Rob Gillies, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
Prime Minister Carney said there will be new retaliatory tariffs rolling out next week on steel, dairy appliances, ag equipment, pulp and paper, electronics.

— CBS News, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of retaliatory

Adjective

Trump’s treatment of South Korea is not unique, having taken punitive measures against a slew of allies who refused to back his invasion of Iran.

— Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 17 Aug. 2026
The bill, which would ban homeless encampments statewide, could add more punitive measures to enforcement against unsheltered homelessness in Charlotte.

— Laura Horne, Charlotte Observer, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of punitive

Adjective

The Metcalf brothers exchanged violent text messages about jumping students, and were documented to have frequently had disciplinary issues at school, according to a motion presented in court.

— Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Aug. 2026
Argentina’s federation was separately fined $321,000 for multiple disciplinary breaches during the tournament and ordered to play its next two home games at reduced capacity.

— Asli Pelit, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of disciplinary

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retributions

retributive

retributory

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“Retributive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retributive. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of retributive

adjective

Example Sentences

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