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

Examples 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
Missing from the slate: the creation of a California Reparations Fund to establish permanent financial support for ongoing redress, and a new state agency responsible for determining claims and distributing funds. Ali Martin, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Oct. 2024 In order to escape apartheid, Black South Africans had to promise not to seek full compensation and redress. Sisonke Msimang, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2021
Verb
The county contends the plastic pollution traced to products made by the companies constitutes a public nuisance that they must be forced to redress. Nate Raymond, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024 Three decades of Black majority rule have certainly begun to redress the inequity of the apartheid era, even if much work remains to be done. Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 16 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for redress 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for redress
Noun
  • In the world of international human rights law, enabling one community to see justice served sets precedence for others who are also seeking accountability and reparations.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Therefore, no additional legal obligations exist that may create a call for reparations or action not directly negotiated.
    Jon McGowan, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • While working at an underground fight club where Singh often shows up, Kid lays out an ambitious—and vicious—plan to avenge his mom.
    Jennifer M. Wood, WIRED, 23 Dec. 2024
  • In a marquee matchup Saturday night, No. 7 USC defeated perennial powerhouse No. 4 Connecticut 72-70, avenging its Elite Eight loss to the Huskies in April and strengthening its status as one of the nation’s elite teams.
    Tee Baker, Los Angeles Times, 22 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The attorney, who was allegedly aware of his health status, told the woman not to disclose their encounter and offered her free legal services as compensation, the filing reads.
    Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 21 Dec. 2024
  • The firm will no doubt advocate for the company to reduce its needlessly high SG&A expenses and right-size executive compensation to reflect business performance.
    Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 21 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near redress

Cite this Entry

“Redress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/redress. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on redress

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