PUNITIVE Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

punitive

adjective

ˈpyü-nə-tiv

Definition of punitive

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 While the list carries few immediate legal repercussions, it’s widely considered a red flag to investors that can precede more punitive trade restrictions. — Angela Cullen, Fortune, 27 June 2026 The machinations with Wiggins’ extension should work toward getting the Heat below the luxury tax in 2027-28, and therefore preventing the triggering of the punitive repeater luxury tax. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2026 The Thunder traded guards Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins to the Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks, respectively, shedding their contracts to try to duck under the NBA’s punitive second-apron threshold. — Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 29 June 2026 The Benin Bronzes refer to the approximately 5,000 bronze sculptures, ceremonial objects, and ivory carvings looted by British forces from the Kingdom of Benin, in what is now Nigeria, during the 1897 punitive expedition. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for punitive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for punitive

Adjective

For example, the correctional officers union agreed to a new deal that awarded roughly 25,000 workers with a 3% general salary increase last year.

— William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
Decades of correctional research have consistently shown that maintaining family connections is one of the strongest predictors of successful reentry and lower rates of recidivism.

— Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of correctional

Adjective

An additional open question is whether an innocent taxpayer’s corrective amendment after discovering the preparer’s fraud would have any legal effect on the SOL.

— Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Unlike many plants, a peace lily doesn't typically require corrective pruning.

— Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 26 June 2026