Definition of redressnext
as in to avenge
to punish in kind the wrongdoer responsible for the belief that redressing a murder with another murder, even if carried out by the state, is not morally justified

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb redress differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of redress are amend, correct, emend, rectify, reform, remedy, and revise. While all these words mean "to make right what is wrong," redress implies making compensation or reparation for an unfairness, injustice, or imbalance.

redress past social injustices

How is amend related to other words for redress?

Amend, reform, and revise imply an improving by making corrective changes, amend usually suggesting slight changes.

amend a law

When might correct be a better fit than redress?

The synonyms correct and redress are sometimes interchangeable, but correct implies taking action to remove errors, faults, deviations, defects.

correct your spelling

Where would emend be a reasonable alternative to redress?

Although the words emend and redress have much in common, emend specifically implies correction of a text or manuscript.

emend a text

When is rectify a more appropriate choice than redress?

The words rectify and redress can be used in similar contexts, but rectify implies a more essential changing to make something right, just, or properly controlled or directed.

rectify a misguided policy

In what contexts can reform take the place of redress?

While the synonyms reform and redress are close in meaning, reform implies drastic change.

plans to reform the court system

When can remedy be used instead of redress?

The words remedy and redress are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, remedy implies removing or making harmless a cause of trouble, harm, or evil.

set out to remedy the evils of the world

When could revise be used to replace redress?

In some situations, the words revise and redress are roughly equivalent. However, revise suggests a careful examination of something and the making of necessary changes.

revise the schedule

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 redress
Noun
Ukraine, meanwhile, would remain deeply wounded and likely determined to seek redress. Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 18 June 2026 Still, seeking redress through the Federal Tort Claims Act is one of the few legal remedies available for those seeking financial compensation for deaths, physical injuries, emotional trauma, unlawful detention or property damage caused by federal employees. Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026
Verb
You’ll be redressed and out of the security line faster than all of your travel mates. Carin Ryan, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2026 In that settlement ‒ which, in contrast, was approved by a federal judge ‒ the Justice Department made $760 million available to redress farmers' claims of discrimination. Joey Garrison, USA Today, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for redress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for redress
Noun
  • In fact, the whole thing could be viewed as colonial reparations.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Ms Rachel pushes reparations quote in latest progressive political move.
    , FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Prosecutors allege Shakur was killed to avenge the rapper's entourage attacking Davis' nephew, Anderson, a few hours earlier at the MGM Grand after a boxing match involving Mike Tyson.
    CBS News, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Martinez avenged that play with a 9-yard touchdown scramble of his own in the fourth quarter, followed by a 17-yard scoring strike to Watkins for a 41-9 lead.
    Cam Inman, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Accept a meal voucher or a goodwill gift card, and the fine print can waive your right to cash compensation worth many times more.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Players who appear in preseason games should receive additional game compensation beyond their training-camp weekly stipend.
    Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The trial, which got underway in an Oakland court last week, could result in billions of dollars in damages and forced remedies that could lead to an overhaul of Facebook and Instagram.
    Paulina Likos, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The lawsuit asks for a jury trial, an injunction against ongoing and future copyright infringement and unspecified damages.
    Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Redress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/redress. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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