Synonyms of punitive

punitive

adjective

ˈpyü-nə-tiv 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• correctional
• penal
• corrective
• correcting
• disciplinary
• penalizing
• disciplining
• chastening
• retaliatory
• retributive
• revengeful
• chastising
• castigating
• vengeful
• wrathful
• retaliative
• retributory

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• compensatory
• nonpunitive
• exculpatory
• vindicating
• exculpating
• exonerating
• remitting
• pardoning
• condoning
• commuting
• absolving
• acquitting
• reprieving

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of punitive

That’s a much higher percentage than the tiny increases typically permitted under New York’s other rent regulation schemes, which are utterly punitive and unreasonable. —Joshua Stein, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024

Emphasize that the goal is not punitive, but to create a fair and equitable work environment for all. —Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024

European tech leaders are concerned about the risk that punitive EU measures on U.S. tech firms could provoke a reaction from Trump, which might in turn cause the bloc to soften its approach. —Ryan Browne, CNBC, 6 Jan. 2025

The former manager eventually filed an official police report in Detroit, and his attorneys are now asking for punitive and exemplary damages as well as general damages. —Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 5 Jan. 2025