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

This means plant-touching companies fall under a punitive tax code meant for illicit drug traffickers that eats into profitability. —Will Yakowicz, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024

City council backs major expansion Rather than seek punitive measures against Beacon Interfaith, the St. Paul City Council last month offered financial support toward Kimball Court’s expansion. —Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 24 Nov. 2024

The doctor is haunted by the infamous, punitive, Magdalene laundries, to which, under his watch, an unwed mother and her baby were sent 20 years earlier. —Heller McAlpin, The Christian Science Monitor, 19 Nov. 2024

The filing requests a jury trial, with the 29-year-old seeking compensatory, punitive, and statutory damages. —Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 1 Nov. 2024