Definitions

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.

Unified suit appears to target the entire $22 million as restitution plus potential punitive damages.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

The complaint seeks a permanent injunction, an award no less than for $15 million for actual damages and punitive damages.

From Barron's • May 11, 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

It awarded $6 million in compensatory and punitive damages to a 20-year-old woman, known as K.G.M., who began using YouTube at age 6 and Instagram at 9.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

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

From Wild Justice by Sprague, Ruth M.