retributory

adjective

re·​trib·​u·​to·​ry ri-ˈtri-byə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce retributory (audio)

Examples of retributory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web As Afghanistan's once-again rulers, the Taliban would refrain from retributory violence and respect women's rights - at least so far as Islam allows. BostonGlobe.com, 17 Aug. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'retributory.' 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

1622, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of retributory was in 1622

Dictionary Entries Near retributory

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

retributory

adjective
re·​trib·​u·​to·​ry ri-ˈtrib-yə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce retributory (audio)
-ˌtȯr-

More from Merriam-Webster on retributory

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!