as in retaliatory
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 retributive
Ultimately, the goal is to break free from the same cycle of retributive politics that has dogged Bangladesh for decades.
—
Charlie Campbell, TIME, 3 Oct. 2024
Rather, the Chinese Communist Party is also given credit for its ability to satisfy the public’s strong desire for retributive justice.
—Dan Chen, The Conversation, 24 June 2024
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.
—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
See All Example Sentences for retributive
Charlie Campbell, TIME, 3 Oct. 2024
Rather, the Chinese Communist Party is also given credit for its ability to satisfy the public’s strong desire for retributive justice.
—Dan Chen, The Conversation, 24 June 2024
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.
—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
See All Example Sentences for retributive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retributive
Adjective
-
Eventually, this revengeful streak will result in loneliness and isolation.—
Nicole Froio,
refinery29.com,
29 Oct. 2024
-
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
-
Zoom in: These moves, while punitive, are temporary and a new president can easily reverse them.—
Sara Fischer,
Axios,
20 Feb. 2025
-
And university leaders fearing government investigations, funding cuts, or punitive endowment taxes crack down on campus protest, remove or demote outspoken professors, and remain silent in the face of growing authoritarianism.—
STEVEN LEVITSKY,
Foreign Affairs,
11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The rough isn't penal, so driver is not necessarily a key this week.—
Jay Ginsbach,
Forbes,
7 Jan. 2025
-
On July 8, 1936, Cowell arrived at San Quentin, the largest prison in a state penal system that ranked high among the country’s worst.—
Angelica Frey,
JSTOR Daily,
15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
They will also be brought up on disciplinary charges, the statement said.—
Graham Rayman,
New York Daily News,
23 Feb. 2025
-
Origins of school suspensions So why is out-of-school suspension the default disciplinary response in many schools across the U.S.?—
Aaron Kupchik,
TIME,
21 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retributive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retributive. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share