as in retaliatory
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Recent Examples of retributive
Ultimately, the goal is to break free from the same cycle of retributive politics that has dogged Bangladesh for decades.
—
Charlie Campbell, TIME, 3 Oct. 2024
Rather, the Chinese Communist Party is also given credit for its ability to satisfy the public’s strong desire for retributive justice.
—Dan Chen, The Conversation, 24 June 2024
Earlier this year, in a clear attempt to encourage retributive attacks in the United States, ISIS reported that U.S. forces had destroyed Iraq’s al-Nuri mosque.
—Michael S. Smith Ii, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2017
A week later, Hamas attacked military and civilian sites in Israel, and Israel began its retributive campaign against Gaza.
—E. Tammy Kim, The New Yorker, 27 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for retributive 
Charlie Campbell, TIME, 3 Oct. 2024
Rather, the Chinese Communist Party is also given credit for its ability to satisfy the public’s strong desire for retributive justice.
—Dan Chen, The Conversation, 24 June 2024
Earlier this year, in a clear attempt to encourage retributive attacks in the United States, ISIS reported that U.S. forces had destroyed Iraq’s al-Nuri mosque.
—Michael S. Smith Ii, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2017
A week later, Hamas attacked military and civilian sites in Israel, and Israel began its retributive campaign against Gaza.
—E. Tammy Kim, The New Yorker, 27 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for retributive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retributive
Adjective
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Eventually, this revengeful streak will result in loneliness and isolation.—
Nicole Froio,
refinery29.com,
29 Oct. 2024
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Artemis was revengeful toward anyone who trespassed in wild nature, and trespassing could mean neglect, like not paying your dues.—
Robert Sullivan,
Vogue,
20 June 2023
Adjective
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During election seasons, calling for enhanced punitive measures—whether those are mandatory minimum sentences or the death penalty—have frequently proved politically expedient for both sides of the political aisle.—
TIME,
TIME,
10 Feb. 2025
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Ramon did not impose any monetary bail to be posted, after Allen Sawyer, Rosenfeld’s co-counsel at trial, argued that such a requirement would be punitive in light of Stubblefield’s finances being severely diminished by his incarceration.—
Robert Salonga,
The Mercury News,
8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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On July 8, 1936, Cowell arrived at San Quentin, the largest prison in a state penal system that ranked high among the country’s worst.—
Angelica Frey,
JSTOR Daily,
15 Jan. 2025
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These aural assassins should be rounded up and shipped to a penal island off the coast of Antarctica.—
SPIN Staff,
SPIN,
9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Online Florida Department of Health license profiles say this is the first disciplinary action against the license Simmons has held since Oct. 22, 2018, and no action has posted against New Life.—
DAVID J. NEAL,
Miami Herald,
7 Feb. 2025
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Individuals found misusing public funds should be held accountable, including mandatory repayment of misappropriated funds and potential disciplinary actions.—
Pamella Pema Reid,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near retributive
Cite this Entry
“Retributive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retributive. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
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