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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of punitive
Asked how many times punitive action has been taken against either patrons, underagers, or companies, Arizona officials confirmed the total since 2021 is zero.
—
Nick Penzenstadler, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026
The plastic surgeons organization decried pursuing criminal or punitive measures against doctors providing gender-affirming care — a policy goal of Republicans nationwide — and underscored its confidence in the individual decision-making of its members.
—Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 3 Feb. 2026
As the comedy progresses, its buoyant tone clenches and darkens, and the plot bends and lurches, in ways that, to me, felt unnecessarily punitive toward both Haru and the audience.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2026
But what was once punitive would eventually be relabeled.
—Outside, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for punitive
Nick Penzenstadler, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026
The plastic surgeons organization decried pursuing criminal or punitive measures against doctors providing gender-affirming care — a policy goal of Republicans nationwide — and underscored its confidence in the individual decision-making of its members.
—Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 3 Feb. 2026
As the comedy progresses, its buoyant tone clenches and darkens, and the plot bends and lurches, in ways that, to me, felt unnecessarily punitive toward both Haru and the audience.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2026
But what was once punitive would eventually be relabeled.
—Outside, 31 Jan. 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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