1
as in counters
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
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2
as in antidotes
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 correctives
These are all refreshing correctives to the texts that previously stood in for contemporary Japan internationally, including any number of small volumes about magical cafés, bookshops, or libraries, often with cats on their covers.
—
Sarah Chihaya, New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2026
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
These are not radical demands, but overdue correctives necessary for restoring public trust in higher education.
—Ilya Shapiro, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025
Sarah Chihaya, New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2026
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
These are not radical demands, but overdue correctives necessary for restoring public trust in higher education.
—Ilya Shapiro, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for correctives
Noun
-
Miami has no shortage of options, from the ramen shops and food halls in the Wynwood Business Improvement District to sushi counters along South Beach.—
Lauren Schuster,
Miami Herald,
3 Apr. 2026
-
No matter the size, the decor is all Old World luxury—brocade upholstery, crystal lamp bases, and marble counters.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Keep shopping for cold-hand antidotes from Amazon, below.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Feb. 2026
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The good news is that there are antidotes.—
Sally Jenkins,
The Atlantic,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
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However, even with increasing emissions, the largest companies should be able to afford enough renewable energy and offsets to meet carbon-neutral goals.—
Tammy Webber,
Fortune,
29 Mar. 2026
-
However, even with increasing emissions, the largest companies should be able to afford enough renewable energy and offsets to meet carbon-neutral goals.—
Tammy Webber,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Common topics of health misinformation include false claims about vaccines, promoting remedies that are not supported by science and undermining scientific understanding about the causes of different health issues.—
Deidre McPhillips,
CNN Money,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The case initially sought remedies that could have separated Ticketmaster from Live Nation.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Borrowers closed out 2025 with a record-high amount of household debt, with credit card balances accounting for a hefty portion of it.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
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Filers aren’t required to report bank balances and primary residences — exactly the kinds of assets that constitute most people’s wealth.—
Alyce McFadden,
San Francisco Chronicle,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Thankfully, this is one area where technology can offer transformative solutions.—
Wendy R. Anderson,
Washington Post,
1 Apr. 2026
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Shower and toilet water doesn’t have to be as clean so whole-house solutions can be overkill.—
Karl Schneider,
IndyStar,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Other items from the ship, including the ballasts that served as counterweights for the human cargo, are remaining on display and will be returned to South Africa in two years.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Other items from the ship, including the ballasts that served as counterweights for the human cargo, are remaining on display and will be returned to South Africa in two years.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Correctives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/correctives. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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