Synonyms of punitive

punitive

adjective

ˈpyü-nə-tiv 

as in correctional

inflicting, involving, or serving as punishment

any misbehavior was immediately met with a punitive response

the company had to pay a million dollars in punitive damages

Synonyms & Similar Words

• correctional
• penal
• corrective
• correcting
• disciplinary
• penalizing
• disciplining
• chastening
• retaliatory
• retributive
• revengeful
• chastising
• castigating
• vengeful
• wrathful
• retaliative
• retributory

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• compensatory
• nonpunitive
• exculpatory
• vindicating
• exculpating
• exonerating
• remitting
• pardoning
• condoning
• commuting
• absolving
• acquitting
• reprieving

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of punitive

Digital token fans have criticized the tenure of outgoing SEC Chair Gary Gensler for taking a punitive approach to the crypto world. —Rob Wile, NBC News, 5 Dec. 2024

While compassionate leadership may seem like a pipe dream when political leadership seems so punitive and polarizing, managers and leaders showing compassion at work may be an antidote to these fractious times. —Iese Business School, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

Nobody asked me, but the state’s $58.5 million settlement with the spurned developer of the State Center project underscores Larry Hogan’s punitive approach to Baltimore. —Dan Rodricks, Baltimore Sun, 24 Nov. 2024

Advertisement Although Hochman has said his administration will not abandon all of Gascón’s criminal justice reform focus in service of public safety, his early policy positions seem more focused on punitive measures. —James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 3 Dec. 2024