retributive

adjective

re·​trib·​u·​tive ri-ˈtri-byə-tiv How to pronounce retributive (audio)
: of, relating to, or marked by retribution
retributively adverb

Examples of retributive in a Sentence

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.
By then, President Franklin Pierce and his secretary of war, Jefferson Davis, had already endorsed a retributive expedition of their own against the Lakota. Tim Madigan, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Oct. 2024 The twist of the knife that unleashes Sienna's retributive fury is a revelation that the gruesome pair killed, beheaded, and seemingly stripped the flesh from Jonathan's skull. Want more movie news? EW.com, 17 Oct. 2024 Ultimately, the goal is to break free from the same cycle of retributive politics that has dogged Bangladesh for decades. Charlie Campbell, TIME, 3 Oct. 2024 Rather, the Chinese Communist Party is also given credit for its ability to satisfy the public’s strong desire for retributive justice. Dan Chen, The Conversation, 24 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for retributive 

Word History

First Known Use

1619, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of retributive was in 1619

Dictionary Entries Near retributive

Cite this Entry

“Retributive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retributive. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

retributive

adjective
re·​trib·​u·​tive ri-ˈtrib-yət-iv How to pronounce retributive (audio)
: of, relating to, or marked by retribution
retributive justice
retributively adverb

Legal Definition

retributive

adjective
re·​trib·​u·​tive ri-ˈtri-byə-tiv How to pronounce retributive (audio)
: of, relating to, or marked by retribution
retributive justice
retributively adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on retributive

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