punitive damages

NOUN

compensation in excess of actual damage

Synonyms

WEAK

amercement compensatory damages damages financial penalty

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.

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 lawsuit also seeks $7 million in punitive damages.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

The jury also said the companies should pay another $3 million in punitive damages.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

Nine of the 12 furors further found that both companies had acted with malice, oppression or fraud, a finding that set the stage for the separate punitive damages.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

A court subsequently awarded them nearly a million dollars in compensatory and punitive damages.

From Wild Justice by Sprague, Ruth M.