retributive
adjective
re·trib·u·tive
ri-ˈtri-byə-tiv 
: of, relating to, or marked by retribution
retributive justice
retributively
adverb
Examples of retributive in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For millennia, punishment was considered morally defensible purely on retributive grounds.
—
Paul Rosenzweig, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 2026
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
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
The ongoing feud between President Trump and Bolton, who served as his national security adviser during his first term, has prompted some critics to argue Friday morning’s raid of his home and office was a retributive act.
—Amalia Huot-Marchand, The Hill, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for retributive
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Paul Rosenzweig, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 2026
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
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
The ongoing feud between President Trump and Bolton, who served as his national security adviser during his first term, has prompted some critics to argue Friday morning’s raid of his home and office was a retributive act.
—Amalia Huot-Marchand, The Hill, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for retributive
Cite this Entry
“Retributive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retributive. Accessed 6 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
retributive
adjective
re·trib·u·tive
ri-ˈtrib-yət-iv
: of, relating to, or marked by retribution
retributive justice
retributively
adverb
Legal Definition
retributive
adjective
re·trib·u·tive
ri-ˈtri-byə-tiv
: of, relating to, or marked by retribution
retributive justice
retributively
adverb
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