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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of punitive

Judges who have reviewed the cases have already temporarily blocked enforcement of the executive orders' punitive measures. —Ryan Lucas, NPR, 13 Apr. 2025

In addition, Rome had inflicted atrocities and punitive measures upon Jews after insurgencies – further motivating Jesus’ followers to distance themselves. —Nathanael Andrade, The Conversation, 11 Apr. 2025

Getty Images Many companies had been steadily reducing their reliance on China as a manufacturing hub since President Donald Trump's first term, hoping to blunt the impact of punitive levies from the United States. —Dylan Butts,anniek Bao, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025

Wall Street had been on edge, looking for any sign that Trump might shift his approach to his punitive tariffs. —John Towfighi, David Goldman and Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025