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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of punitive Epidemics had also hit those groups that stayed out of the missions, tragically weakening them, as had punitive raids by the soldados. — Literary Hub, 29 July 2026 Health policy researchers and providers say negative attention and the potential for overly punitive regulations could put patients at risk. — Laurie Udesky, Washington Post, 26 July 2026 Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 is widely viewed as a more durable trade statute than the administration’s previous strategies, and there are no limits on punitive tariff rates or the duration of the duties. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 21 July 2026 Swinehart’s lawsuit seeks punitive and compensatory damages, although no amount is specified. — Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for punitive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for punitive

Adjective

The lawsuit against the EEOC was filed by the American Federation of Government Employees, the largest union representing federal workers, and two women who are correctional officers at Louisiana’s Federal Correctional Complex at Pollock.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
Blackwell, who was received from Los Angeles County in 2010, was serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole for first-degree murder, correctional officials said.

— Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of correctional

Adjective

The facilities will stay closed until the review is complete and any corrective actions are addressed.

— CBS Miami Team, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which did not respond to The Bee’s inquiry, typically monitors corrective actions and audit reports.

— Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 10 Aug. 2026