retributive
adjective
re·trib·u·tive
ri-ˈtri-byə-tiv 
: of, relating to, or marked by retribution
retributively
adverb
Examples of retributive in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
No doubt there will be clear or hidden retributive acts against Bates for endorsing Dixon.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 20 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for retributive 
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
No doubt there will be clear or hidden retributive acts against Bates for endorsing Dixon.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 20 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for retributive
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.
Dictionary Entries Near retributive
Cite this Entry
“Retributive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retributive. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
retributive
adjective
re·trib·u·tive
ri-ˈtrib-yət-iv
: of, relating to, or marked by retribution
retributive justice
retributively
adverb
Legal Definition
retributive
adjective
re·trib·u·tive
ri-ˈtri-byə-tiv
: of, relating to, or marked by retribution
retributive justice
retributively
adverb
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