punitive
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.
The jurors were simply trying to determine the amount of punitive damages when the settlement was announced.
From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2026
He added that education, rather than "punitive punishment", is the solution to children displaying discriminatory behaviour where it comes from a "lack of understanding and without intention to offend".
From BBC • May 26, 2026
By targeting Iran instead of all pistachio exporting countries, it shows the policy was mainly punitive, rather than intentionally protectionist.
From Salon • May 6, 2026
Spreading out a smaller adjustment over many years would help distribute the financial burden among current and future generations, avoiding immediate, punitive tax hikes.
From MarketWatch • May 4, 2026
The mood inside was more celebratory than punitive, as the accused mingled with reporters and friends.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
Vocabulary lists containing punitive
This Week in Words: September 15 - 21, 2018
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Just Mercy
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Auggie & Me
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