as in retaliatory
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Recent Examples of retributive
Earlier this year, in a clear attempt to encourage retributive attacks in the United States, ISIS reported that U.S. forces had destroyed Iraq’s al-Nuri mosque.
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Michael S. Smith Ii, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2017
A week later, Hamas attacked military and civilian sites in Israel, and Israel began its retributive campaign against Gaza.
—E. Tammy Kim, The New Yorker, 27 June 2024
No doubt there will be clear or hidden retributive acts against Bates for endorsing Dixon.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 20 Apr. 2024
Biden will face increasing pressure to be critical of any examples of retributive aggression—a reflection of the changing perceptions in recent years of Israel among Democrats and even many independents.
—Michael Tomasky, The New Republic, 16 Oct. 2023
See all Example Sentences for retributive 
Michael S. Smith Ii, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2017
A week later, Hamas attacked military and civilian sites in Israel, and Israel began its retributive campaign against Gaza.
—E. Tammy Kim, The New Yorker, 27 June 2024
No doubt there will be clear or hidden retributive acts against Bates for endorsing Dixon.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 20 Apr. 2024
Biden will face increasing pressure to be critical of any examples of retributive aggression—a reflection of the changing perceptions in recent years of Israel among Democrats and even many independents.
—Michael Tomasky, The New Republic, 16 Oct. 2023
See all Example Sentences for retributive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retributive
Adjective
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Eventually, this revengeful streak will result in loneliness and isolation.Nicole Froio, refinery29.com, 29 Oct. 2024
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Artemis was revengeful toward anyone who trespassed in wild nature, and trespassing could mean neglect, like not paying your dues.Robert Sullivan, Vogue, 20 June 2023
Adjective
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But punitive measures hardly seem to have slowed their roll.Adriana Lee, WWD, 4 Nov. 2024
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For the moment, Russia and Iran remain Assad’s most crucial allies, but other countries have recently chosen to take a less punitive approach to his government, despite the sanctions risks.Ed Caesar, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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The county prisoners held at the site were moved to Milwaukee County's new penal farm in what was then the Town of Franklin.Chris Foran, Journal Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2024
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The authorities pledged that the facility would be run in accordance with standard legal norms and penal practices, unlike its predecessor.Richard J. Evans, Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2017
Adjective
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Rokita has also faced disciplinary complaints and a reprimand from the Indiana Supreme Court over some of his conduct in office.Hayleigh Colombo, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Nov. 2024
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In these informal removals, a parent is called to pick up a student early or asked not to bring them to school–without a formal suspension or disciplinary action.Emily Harvey, The Denver Post, 5 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near retributive
Cite this Entry
“Retributive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retributive. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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