RETRIBUTIVE Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

retributive

adjective

Definition of retributive

as in retaliatory

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 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

Israel’s retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed more than 73,317 Palestinians, including those killed since the ceasefire, Gaza’s Health Ministry said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
The United States is slapping 50% tariffs on Canadian products from wine and hockey sticks to cement, in response to Canada’s retaliatory duties on American cars, alcohol, and cheese as part of the two countries’ trade war.

— Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 20 July 2026

Definition of retaliatory

Adjective

Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 is widely viewed as a more durable trade statute than the administration’s previous strategies, and there are no limits on punitive tariff rates or the duration of the duties.

— Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 21 July 2026
Swinehart’s lawsuit seeks punitive and compensatory damages, although no amount is specified.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026

Definition of punitive

Adjective

Lawmakers were told during the briefing that there have been 56 complaints of excessive force against ICE officers — 32 were cleared, and one was referred for disciplinary action.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 July 2026
Athletic director Leo Lopoz said at the time that no players were facing further disciplinary action.

— Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 26 July 2026

Definition of disciplinary

Browse Nearby Words

retributions

retributive

retributory

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Retributive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retributive. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of retributive

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

parochial

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples

Popular in Wordplay

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 24

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes