What is another word for punitive?

Pronunciation: [pjˈuːnɪtˌɪv] (IPA)

Punitive means relating to or involving punishment. Some of the synonyms for the word punitive include disciplinary, corrective, retaliatory, penalizing, retributive, vindictive, and avenging. Each of these synonyms has its own unique connotations and can be used to describe various situations in which punishment is necessary. For instance, disciplinary is often used to describe actions taken against employees who have violated a company's policies, while retaliatory suggests a response to an attack or offense. Vindictive, on the other hand, implies a desire for revenge, while corrective suggests a desire to correct the behavior of the offending party. Overall, these synonyms provide us with a range of vocabulary to describe the act of punishment in different contexts.

Synonyms for Punitive:

What are the paraphrases for Punitive?

Paraphrases are restatements of text or speech using different words and phrasing to convey the same meaning.
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What are the hypernyms for Punitive?

A hypernym is a word with a broad meaning that encompasses more specific words called hyponyms.

What are the opposite words for punitive?

The word "punitive" means intended as a punishment, and the opposite of that would be synonymous with benevolent, merciful or forgiving. Antonyms for the word "punitive" include lenient, compassionate, gentle, and indulgent. These words express a sense of care, support, and kindness rather than imposing punishment or discipline. Other antonyms for "punitive" would be charitable, generous, or magnanimous, which all entail an act of giving or offering something positive without any expectation of receiving back. The words contrasting "punitive" indicate a completely different approach to the resolution of a problem, one that leads to positive growth and learning rather than just punitive measures.

What are the antonyms for Punitive?

Usage examples for Punitive

For if he were not beaten into submission by the punitive methods of society, he was persuaded into it by his teachers, who were ever so sure of their facts and proofs.
"Eight Keys to Eden"
Mark Irvin Clifton
Zu Pfeiffer had fairly precise information from spies of the movements of the Wongolo since the return of Sergeant Ludwig, who had burned the village of Yagonyana, but shortage of men and the serious disadvantage of traversing and fighting in the forest had prevented him from sending another punitive expedition.
"Witch-Doctors"
Charles Beadle
Erect by the door stood Sergeant Schultz taking details for the disposition of stores and troops during the absence of the punitive expedition.
"Witch-Doctors"
Charles Beadle

Famous quotes with Punitive

  • Job creation requires a business friendly environment with a tax structure that is not punitive and a state government designed for efficient use of fewer tax dollars.
    Kenneth Blackwell
  • We will have bigger bureaucracies, bigger labor unions, and bigger state-run corporations. It will be harder to be an entrepreneur because of punitive taxes and regulations. The rewards of success will be expropriated for the sake of attaining greater income equality.
    Arthur C. Brooks
  • God was treated like this powerful, erratic, rather punitive father who has to be pacified and praised. You know, flattered.
    John Cleese
  • The payment of taxes is an obvious and insistent duty, and its sanction is usually punitive.
    Joseph McKenna
  • America is a nation fundamentally ambivalent about its children, often afraid of its children, and frequently punitive toward its children.
    Letty Cottin Pogrebin

Related words:

punitive damages, punitive social program, punitive measures, punitive approach to crime, punitive phase, what is a punitive measure

Related questions:

  • What is punitive?
  • What is a punitive social program?
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