redress 1 of 2

redress

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verb

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
Federal Government redress of any wrongful dismissals is overdue. Avery Lotz, Axios, 28 Jan. 2025 Black residents of Tulsa were left with no avenue for redress. Sabina Ghebremedhin, ABC News, 11 Jan. 2025
Verb
Chelsea academy graduate Levi Colwill had a successful season on loan at Brighton in 2022-23, and now the balance could be further redressed with the club interested in the permanent signing of another of Chelsea defender, Tosin Adarabioyo. Andy Naylor, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025 Initial plans were to add blood digitally to avoid having to redress the set and costuming, but that changed when Kelman came to Berger on behalf of both him and DeHaan. Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for redress 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for redress
Noun
  • One of the most significant outcomes has been the passage of several reparations bills, including one signed in September that requires California to formally apologize for perpetuating slavery.
    Nik Popli, TIME, 6 Feb. 2025
  • So far, two reparations bills (Assembly Bill 7 and Assembly Bill 62) have been introduced into the state Assembly.
    Wenyuan Wu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Chatsworth’s win avenged an overtime loss to Cleveland earlier this season.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2025
  • The Hornets avenged that defeat thanks to a stifling defensive effort in the second half.
    Erick Taylor, arkansasonline.com, 8 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • According to its latest financial report, from its inception in 2012 through Jan. 30, the bureau had returned $19.7 billion to 195 million people, via actual compensation from financial firms, reductions in loan principal and canceled debts.
    Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Large companies are supposed to be more difficult to manage, hence higher compensation for managers.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near redress

Cite this Entry

“Redress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/redress. Accessed 18 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on redress

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