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.

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 stock’s underperformance versus the broader megacap tech group, which has lost around 10% this year, “appears punitive to us, considering the scope of positive profitability revisions ahead.”

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Jobcentre users I've spoken to have painted a picture of them as frightening, punitive environments, where people are told what they must do, or face losing their benefits.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

When arguing for punitive damages against the tech companies, Lanier held up a jar of 415 M&Ms to show how a $1 billion fine would be a fraction of Alphabet’s $415 billion in shareholder equity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

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

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood