1
as in reformative
serving to raise or adjust something to some standard or proper condition
eyeglasses are called corrective lenses by the department of motor vehicles
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in punitive
inflicting, involving, or serving as punishment
a corrective sentence of five years' hard labor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in offset
a force or influence that makes an opposing force ineffective or less effective
a substantial outflow of people proved to be the necessary corrective for the spiraling cost of housing
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in antidote
something that corrects or counteracts something undesirable
the only corrective to bad behavior is good, firm discipline
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of corrective
Aki Nace, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026
Legal operations teams use similar systems to surface contract risk and recommend corrective actions.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026
Dan Brooks, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025
The 2025 College Rankings from Washington Monthly offer a corrective.
—Bruno V. Manno, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for corrective
Adjective
The plan was ultimately rejected; the Department of Human Services says the denial was based on reports from 2019 and 2021 and ignored corrective work that the state had shouldered over the last year.
—Aki Nace, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026
Legal operations teams use similar systems to surface contract risk and recommend corrective actions.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026
Noun
Some of these values—such as a disciplined commitment to physical fitness—are good and, in my opinion, necessary correctives to the enervating distractions of 21st-century living.
—Dan Brooks, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025
The 2025 College Rankings from Washington Monthly offer a corrective.
—Bruno V. Manno, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for corrective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for corrective
Adjective
-
As part of the reformative aims of the convict system, many of these men were incarcerated at Fremantle Prison, trained, and put to work on infrastructure projects such as bridges, roads, and public buildings.—
Livia Gershon,
JSTOR Daily,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Fifty-five years after Martin Luther King's death, African Americans continue to proudly honor his reformative legacy in Phoenix.—
The Arizona Republic,
The Arizona Republic,
14 Jan. 2024
Adjective
-
Although labeled a lateral move, this punitive transfer functioned as a demotion in responsibility, stature, and opportunity.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
14 Feb. 2026
-
The memo, written by district general counsel Sonja McKenzie, said Brenda Smith’s administrative leave is not considered by district officials to be a punitive action.—
Jessica Seaman,
Denver Post,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Four offset barrel smokers — plus two rotisserie smokers and two hog cookers — fill the massive pit room.—
Aviva Bechky,
Houston Chronicle,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The social media giant's guidance offset worries about its sky-high spending on artificial intelligence.—
,
CNBC,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
For those gray, dreary Berlin February days, the Berlinale this year is offering a colorful fever dream of a cinematic antidote courtesy of Pakistan.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Woanger Set of 4 Wicker Storage Baskets Pretty, functional storage solutions are the perfect antidote to impractical minimalism.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The combination of sports and fashion is therefore expected to have a beneficial ripple effect across different industries.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Flowers attract pollinators, many of whom are beneficial insects that deter other pests.—
Peg Aloi,
The Spruce,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The correctional center's medical staff immediately treated him before he was taken to a local medical facility.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
31 Jan. 2026
-
The senior psychiatrist also helps run specialized treatment programs, takes part in hiring new psychiatrists, advises correctional staff on mental health issues and handles other tasks when needed.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Its reduced weight and compact architecture are intended to support rapid relocation after firing, allowing the launcher to limit exposure to counter-battery fire.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Meanwhile, Mbappe grabbed his 38th goal of the season in all competitions from a 91st-minute counter-attack to seal the points.—
Mario Cortegana,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In fact, the doctor shortage has led to unwise remedies such as overreliance on PAs.—
Betsy McCaughey,
Boston Herald,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Snow and ice removal experts recommend having certain remedies and products on hand for when salt runs out and supplies can't be replenished before a storm.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
8 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Corrective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/corrective. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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