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punitive

[pyoo-ni-tiv] / ˈpyu nɪ tɪv /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Rather than layering targeted surcharges atop a punitive system, city and state leaders should pursue spending restraint.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 18, 2026

The judge denied the defendants’ request to dismiss the negligence, emotional distress and punitive damages claims.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

The past three months have shown that rather than being too punitive, it wasn’t punitive enough.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

He has demanded both compensatory damages to redress his own harms as well as punitive damages “to deter future unconstitutional conduct.”

From Slate • Apr. 15, 2026

The Commander, instead, smells of mothballs, or is this odor some punitive form of aftershave?

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood




Vocabulary lists containing punitive