redress 1 of 2

redress

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verb

as in to avenge
to punish in kind the wrongdoer responsible for the belief that redressing a murder with another murder, even if carried out by the state, is not morally justified

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb redress differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of redress are amend, correct, emend, rectify, reform, remedy, and revise. While all these words mean "to make right what is wrong," redress implies making compensation or reparation for an unfairness, injustice, or imbalance.

redress past social injustices

How is amend related to other words for redress?

Amend, reform, and revise imply an improving by making corrective changes, amend usually suggesting slight changes.

amend a law

When might correct be a better fit than redress?

The synonyms correct and redress are sometimes interchangeable, but correct implies taking action to remove errors, faults, deviations, defects.

correct your spelling

Where would emend be a reasonable alternative to redress?

Although the words emend and redress have much in common, emend specifically implies correction of a text or manuscript.

emend a text

When is rectify a more appropriate choice than redress?

The words rectify and redress can be used in similar contexts, but rectify implies a more essential changing to make something right, just, or properly controlled or directed.

rectify a misguided policy

In what contexts can reform take the place of redress?

While the synonyms reform and redress are close in meaning, reform implies drastic change.

plans to reform the court system

When can remedy be used instead of redress?

The words remedy and redress are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, remedy implies removing or making harmless a cause of trouble, harm, or evil.

set out to remedy the evils of the world

When could revise be used to replace redress?

In some situations, the words revise and redress are roughly equivalent. However, revise suggests a careful examination of something and the making of necessary changes.

revise the schedule

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of redress
Noun
Patients who are denied claims appeals have few avenues of legal redress after the insurer’s own process. Stephanie Kelly and Julie Steenhuysen, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024 Black Box Diaries, which opened Oct. 25 in the U.S., chronicles Ito’s attempts to procure legal redress. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Oct. 2024
Verb
Just as the new holiday of remembrance and gratitude helped to reunite the country after the Civil War, Thanksgiving can also work to redress our rifts today—in our polarized nation and even in our families. Michael Morris, TIME, 27 Nov. 2024 In the interwar period, Du Bois initially placed his faith in the emergence of international institutions to redress these inequities. Zachariah Mampilly, Foreign Affairs, 6 Sep. 2022 See all Example Sentences for redress 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for redress
Noun
  • Textbook Says Moscow 'Forced' Into War in Ukraine Top Ally Advised Putin To Replace Lenin's Corpse With His Own: Report Putin's Ally in NATO Backs Down in Russia Sanctions Standoff The discussion of reparations comes as Russia looks to retain its two military bases in the country.
    Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
  • Offer reparations In her research, Shapiro learned from Molly Howes, PhD, author of A Good Apology: Four Steps to Make Things Right that asking calm, neutral questions can provide valuable insight.
    Holly Rizzuto Palker, Parents, 28 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The Eagles will try to avenge a loss to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII two years ago, while Patrick Mahomes and company hope to pull off a record-breaking three-peat.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 2 Feb. 2025
  • The Eagles are looking to avenge their loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl two seasons ago and getting Graham would be a boost.
    Ryan Canfield, Fox News, 30 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The overtime is being done with without compensation and benefits.
    Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 31 Jan. 2025
  • Black workers impressed into service, both free and enslaved, did receive compensation, but how much varied from place-to-place and person-to-person.
    Justin Hawkins / Made by History, TIME, 31 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near redress

Cite this Entry

“Redress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/redress. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on redress

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