retributive

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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retributive
Adjective
  • Fans hoping for a revengeful scoring outburst were left wanting a little more, however, as Dončić — a career 28.6 points per game scorer — added only 10 points over the final three quarters.
    Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Eventually, this revengeful streak will result in loneliness and isolation.
    Nicole Froio, refinery29.com, 29 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Trump’s latest tariff policy draws a sharp distinction between adversaries and allies, dialing back taxes on imports from Europe and North America while doubling down on punitive measures against Beijing.
    Nik Popli, Time, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Wall Street had been on edge, looking for any sign that Trump might shift his approach to his punitive tariffs.
    John Towfighi, David Goldman and Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Convicted in London for conducting clandestine marriages, Grierson was sentenced to 14 years of penal servitude in the American Colonies.
    Alexandra Cox, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Now they are imprisoned in El Salvador, according to their families, who have been left in the dark about their fates in a penal system widely condemned for human rights abuses.
    Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • No disciplinary actions or hospital privilege revocations are listed for her.
    Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2025
  • School officials and a school resource officer investigated and issued disciplinary action.
    Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 3 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Retributive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retributive. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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