corrective

adjective

cor·​rec·​tive kə-ˈrek-tiv How to pronounce corrective (audio)
Synonyms of correctivenext
: intended to correct
corrective lenses
corrective punishment
corrective noun
correctively adverb

Synonyms of corrective

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Examples of corrective in a Sentence

She had corrective surgery on her knee this past summer. People with bad eyesight usually need to wear corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Importantly, the robot maintained stable locomotion throughout testing, showing that the AI controller could effectively harness passive energy stored in the compliant feet without introducing instability or excessive corrective movements. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026 While taxiing on the water, the seaplane reportedly veered left and failed to respond to corrective efforts before striking a dock and sinking in approximately 100 feet of water. — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026 Long-term momentum has also shifted positive per the monthly MACD, suggesting the broader uptrend is resuming after a prolonged corrective phase. — Katie Stockton, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026 Criminal charges were also brought against eBay in 2024; however, the company agreed to pay the maximum available criminal fine of $3 million and undertake serious corrective action. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for corrective

Word History

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of corrective was in 1531

Phrases Containing corrective

Rhymes for corrective

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Browse Nearby Words

correctitude
corrective
corrective justice
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Cite this Entry

“Corrective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corrective. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

corrective

adjective
cor·​rec·​tive kə-ˈrek-tiv How to pronounce corrective (audio)
: serving to correct : having the power of making right, normal, or regular
corrective lenses
corrective action
corrective noun

Medical Definition

corrective

1 of 2 adjective
cor·​rec·​tive kə-ˈrek-tiv How to pronounce corrective (audio)
: intended to correct
corrective lenses
corrective surgery
correctively adverb

corrective

2 of 2 noun
: a medication that removes undesirable or unpleasant side effects of other medication
phenobarbital acts as a corrective in overcoming the insomnia produced by ephedrine

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Nglish: Translation of corrective for Spanish Speakers

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