poetic justice

noun

: an outcome in which vice is punished and virtue rewarded usually in a manner peculiarly or ironically appropriate

Examples of poetic justice in a Sentence

After the way he treated his staff, it was poetic justice that he lost his job.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Quite sadly, but with a certain element of poetic justice, the American team’s 4-1 humbling by Belgium was the opposite broader effect that Trump evidently but delusionally had in mind. — Vahe Gregorian july 7, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026 That Meyers Taylor entered the gold medal heat as one of the oldest competitors on the Olympic track adds poetic justice to her victory. — Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 17 Feb. 2026 Cromwell’s journey to Tower Hill is, in its way, poetic justice. — Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025 But, in a bit of poetic justice, the tax failed to get even a majority vote. — Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for poetic justice

Word History

First Known Use

1691, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of poetic justice was in 1691

Rhymes for poetic justice

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Browse Nearby Words

poeticize
poetic justice
poetic license
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Cite this Entry

“Poetic justice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poetic%20justice. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on poetic justice

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about poetic justice

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