as in retaliatory
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Recent Examples of retributive
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
Instead, Trump is reinforcing a pattern of tit-for-tat retributive permitting that could ultimately be more damaging to the oil and gas industry, which is under pressure to maintain market share in the US and globally before the economy shifts more to clean energy.
—
Tim McDonnell,
semafor.com,
23 Dec. 2025
The incident, as well as post-ceasefire clashes between Israeli forces and Gazans and retributive executions by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, underscores the fragility of Trump's historic deal, which is still only in its initial phase.
—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for retributive
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
Instead, Trump is reinforcing a pattern of tit-for-tat retributive permitting that could ultimately be more damaging to the oil and gas industry, which is under pressure to maintain market share in the US and globally before the economy shifts more to clean energy.
—
Tim McDonnell,
semafor.com,
23 Dec. 2025
The incident, as well as post-ceasefire clashes between Israeli forces and Gazans and retributive executions by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, underscores the fragility of Trump's historic deal, which is still only in its initial phase.
—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for retributive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retributive
Adjective
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That conflict sharply curtailed the region’s oil exports and saw several gulf countries take direct retaliatory Iranian missile and drone hits.
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In response, Polish President Karol Nawrocki stripped his Ukrainian counterpart of Poland’s highest state honor, prompting retaliatory moves from Kyiv.
Adjective
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DeMar DeRozan had 32, Russell Westbrook had a revengeful 22 and Malik Monk had 26 off the bench.
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Brian Heil played Don Jose with angst and ultimately, revengeful rage as Carmen’s spurned lover.
Adjective
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As Afghanistan's once-again rulers, the Taliban would refrain from retributory violence and respect women's rights - at least so far as Islam allows.
Adjective
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While the list carries few immediate legal repercussions, it’s widely considered a red flag to investors that can precede more punitive trade restrictions.
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Management was also described as dismissive, punitive and unapproachable.
Adjective
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The 47-month sentence is notable given the Dutch penal system’s typically short prison terms.
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Colorado was the first of eight states to repeal its penal exception clause.
Adjective
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Since the Board did not take any disciplinary action against Ashley, her reputation had not been harmed in that regard either.
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The emergency suspension of Joceylyne Jacques’ certificate by Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo is the first disciplinary action in her 23 years, seven months as a CNA.
Cite this Entry
“Retributive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retributive. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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