retributive

adjective

re·​trib·​u·​tive ri-ˈtri-byə-tiv How to pronounce retributive (audio)
: of, relating to, or marked by retribution
retributively adverb

Examples of retributive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Biden will face increasing pressure to be critical of any examples of retributive aggression—a reflection of the changing perceptions in recent years of Israel among Democrats and even many independents. Michael Tomasky, The New Republic, 16 Oct. 2023 Even after his father was killed, Madan couldn’t summon any retributive energy, and while Megh’s neighbors joined soldiers to massacre twelve of his killers, Madan did little besides sketch out his next hit. Sean Williams, Harper's Magazine, 11 Sep. 2023 The issue has even seeped into the popular consciousness, with the first Black Panther movie featuring a retributive museum heist of Wakandan objects, and comedian John Oliver devoting an episode of his show Last Week Tonight to museums’ refusals to return ancient or sacred objects. Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2023 Terry Fulmer, president of the John A. Hartford Foundation and leading expert in elder abuse and geriatrics, said educating staff on the harms of retributive statements should be key in fighting the problem. Nada Hassanein, USA TODAY, 16 June 2023 The claims of racial justice have upended liberal élites in interesting and profound ways, and left them deeply uncertain: about how much history should be revised, about what kinds of retributive steps should be taken, and, above all, about how many people, really, want radical change. Benjamin Wallace-Wells, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2021 These allegations, along with the seemingly retributive timing of Mr. Khan’s arrest, incited some of Mr. Khan’s supporters to target military installations. Hasan Ali, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 May 2023 But in addition to the retributive intent of putting someone in prison, Graves also cites rehabilitative goals. Courtland Milloy, Washington Post, 9 May 2023 Subsequent political huggermugger led to the exile of Athenian generals Xanthippus and Aristides, but the two were called back as the Persians mounted a second, retributive invasion almost a decade later. Katherine A. Powers, Star Tribune, 28 May 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'retributive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1619, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of retributive was in 1619

Dictionary Entries Near retributive

Cite this Entry

“Retributive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retributive. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

retributive

adjective
re·​trib·​u·​tive ri-ˈtrib-yət-iv How to pronounce retributive (audio)
: of, relating to, or marked by retribution
retributive justice
retributively adverb

Legal Definition

retributive

adjective
re·​trib·​u·​tive ri-ˈtri-byə-tiv How to pronounce retributive (audio)
: of, relating to, or marked by retribution
retributive justice
retributively adverb

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