retaliatory

adjective

Definition of retaliatorynext
as in revengeful

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of retaliatory Her attorneys argued that the fee award would help to deter retaliatory suits against accusers in the future. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 30 June 2026 Her attorneys argued that the fee award would help to deter frivolous and retaliatory suits against accusers in the future. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 30 June 2026 Iran twice attacked vessels in the strait — including a tanker filled with Qatari crude — and drew retaliatory American airstrikes. — Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026 Twice in recent days, the United States has launched retaliatory strikes on Iran following drone attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. — Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 30 June 2026 In 2025, the Idaho Legislature passed a law designed to limit retaliatory lawsuits. — Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 29 June 2026 Discriminatory and retaliatory practices are gender-neutral and race-independent. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2026 In response, Polish President Karol Nawrocki stripped his Ukrainian counterpart of Poland’s highest state honor, prompting retaliatory moves from Kyiv. — Lidia Kurasinska, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 Israel’s retaliatory military offensive in Gaza has killed 73,018 Palestinians, including those slain since the ceasefire, Gaza’s Health Ministry said. — Wafaa Shurafa, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retaliatory
  1. revengeful
  2. retributive
  3. punitive
  4. disciplinary
  5. penal
Adjective
  • DeMar DeRozan had 32, Russell Westbrook had a revengeful 22 and Malik Monk had 26 off the bench.
    — Zach Harper, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Brian Heil played Don Jose with angst and ultimately, revengeful rage as Carmen’s spurned lover.
    — Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Dec. 2025
Definition of revengeful
Adjective
  • The interviewees were willing to talk openly and honestly about Trump covered by anonymity, a necessity to protect them from this fiercely thin-skinned and retributive president.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 25 June 2026
  • And there’s no question that Israel was pursuing both a political agenda as well as retributive-justice agenda.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 10 June 2026
Definition of retributive
Adjective
  • Woods is seeking compensatory, punitive, and statutory damages in an amount to be determined at trial.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 30 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
Definition of punitive
Adjective
  • The international governing body’s disciplinary committee elected to utilize Article 27 of its code, which allows the judicial body to fully or partially suspend the implementation of an on-pitch disciplinary measure under a probationary period.
    — Wayne Sterling, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
  • Resigned-Disciplinary — This is Oregon’s version of disciplinary revocation.
    — David J. Neal July 5, Miami Herald, 5 July 2026
Definition of disciplinary
Adjective
  • The 47-month sentence is notable given the Dutch penal system’s typically short prison terms.
    — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 9 June 2026
  • Colorado was the first of eight states to repeal its penal exception clause.
    — Julia Bowling, The Conversation, 29 May 2026
Definition of penal

Browse Nearby Words

retaliative
retaliatory
retard
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Cite this Entry

“Retaliatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retaliatory. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on retaliatory

Nglish: Translation of retaliatory for Spanish Speakers

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