as in correctional
inflicting, involving, or serving as punishment
any misbehavior was immediately met with a punitive response the company had to pay a million dollars in punitive damages
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Recent Examples of punitive
These deaths must force us to focus less on punitive actions and more on what saves lives.
—
Jeffrey Ginsburg, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2026
Force interpreted as partisan or punitive erodes legitimacy and invites resistance.
—Robert Pape, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
The Heat will have the wherewithal to add two players at the NBA veteran minimum and still remain below the punitive NBA luxury tax, from what should be a robust market of available players, with several involved in deadline deals already in the process of being waived.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
Since then, China has emerged as an economic lifeline for Russia by stepping up trade with its northern neighbour while Western powers piled punitive sanctions on Moscow.
—Reuters, NBC news, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for punitive
Jeffrey Ginsburg, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2026
Force interpreted as partisan or punitive erodes legitimacy and invites resistance.
—Robert Pape, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
The Heat will have the wherewithal to add two players at the NBA veteran minimum and still remain below the punitive NBA luxury tax, from what should be a robust market of available players, with several involved in deadline deals already in the process of being waived.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
Since then, China has emerged as an economic lifeline for Russia by stepping up trade with its northern neighbour while Western powers piled punitive sanctions on Moscow.
—Reuters, NBC news, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for punitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punitive
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
Adjective
-
In many cases, those who have been arrested are, in essence, disappeared into the federal penal system.—
Andre Gee,
Rolling Stone,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Hollfelder had been charged with abuse of residents of penal facilities, a felony that can carry a sentence of up to 1½ years in prison and two years on extended supevision.—
Kelli Arseneau,
jsonline.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
You'll be notified whether any disciplinary or corrective action was taken, according to the city website.—
Matthew Cupelli,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
9 Feb. 2026
-
After spending most of 2025 banged up, Nik Bonitto has taken corrective measures.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Punitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punitive. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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