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
Read a list of Trump’s other retributive actions here.
—
Michael S. Schmidt, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
The Trump administration’s retributive style complicates those questions.
—Peter Kiefer, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2025
There will be no retributive actions taken by any FBI should I be confirmed as FBI director.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2025
To be sure, some retributive violence has clearly taken place, and thousands of Syrians fearful of militant control have fled to Lebanon.
—Sam Heller, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for retributive
Michael S. Schmidt, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
The Trump administration’s retributive style complicates those questions.
—Peter Kiefer, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2025
There will be no retributive actions taken by any FBI should I be confirmed as FBI director.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2025
To be sure, some retributive violence has clearly taken place, and thousands of Syrians fearful of militant control have fled to Lebanon.
—Sam Heller, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for retributive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retributive
Adjective
-
Fans hoping for a revengeful scoring outburst were left wanting a little more, however, as Dončić — a career 28.6 points per game scorer — added only 10 points over the final three quarters.—
Rohan Nadkarni,
NBC News,
26 Feb. 2025
-
Eventually, this revengeful streak will result in loneliness and isolation.—
Nicole Froio,
refinery29.com,
29 Oct. 2024
Adjective
-
Proactive Regulatory Engagement Rather than awaiting punitive laws, leaders should shape ethical norms: • Fairness Pledges: Company commitments to cap surge pricing during crises, like natural disasters.—
Durga Krishnamoorthy,
Forbes.com,
3 July 2025
-
However, that is now changing as the wealthy flee a punitive new tax regime, with potentially severe consequences for the country.—
Ian King,
CNBC,
2 July 2025
Adjective
-
Iran’s Islamic Republic government likely will block it because, aside from Panahi’s outspoken stance against its stranglehold on democracy that has landed him in prison twice, the film is highly critical of Iran’s penal system on the back of the director’s own firsthand experiences.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
25 June 2025
-
In the report on El Salvador, whose penal system has become a dumping ground for migrants deported from the United States, there will be no details on the conditions in those prisons.—
Gal Beckerman,
The Atlantic,
1 May 2025
Adjective
-
Universities have reported a sharp rise in disciplinary cases tied to AI, but many incidents likely go undetected.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
4 July 2025
-
He was accused at least 14 other times of misconduct that didn't lead to disciplinary action.—
Kristine Phillips,
IndyStar,
4 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retributive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retributive. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share