punitive

[pyoo-ni-tiv] / ˈpyu nɪ tɪv /

ADJECTIVE

concerning punishment

Synonyms

STRONGEST

disciplinary penal punishing retaliatory vindictive

STRONG

punitory

WEAK

castigating correctional in reprisal in retaliation retaliative revengeful

Antonyms

WEAK

beneficial rewarding

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.

Sesame Workshop also wants to recover payments owed and punitive damages.

From The Wall Street Journal

These punitive moves have significant implications for the company’s bottom line.

From The Wall Street Journal

Burgum didn’t address whether those punitive measures would be rolled back.

From The Wall Street Journal

Loans against your balance, paid back to yourself, are the less punitive option.

From MarketWatch

Both countries want to reduce exposure to punitive US trade tariffs.

From BBC