Synonyms

retaliatory

American

[ri-tal-ee-uh-tawr-ee] / rɪˈtæl i əˌtɔr i /

Rarely retaliative

adjective

done in order to take revenge; returning evil for evil.

Hate crimes are especially likely to inflict emotional harm and provoke retaliatory violence.

Other Word Forms

unretaliative adjective
unretaliatory adjective

Etymology

Origin of retaliatory

retaliat(e) ( def. ) + -ory ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Canada initially imposed retaliatory tariffs against U.S. products, but later dropped most of them in an effort to reset negotiations.

From The Wall Street Journal

From frequent Ukrainian retaliatory drone attacks to army recruitment adverts around the city, the conflict has gradually seeped into daily life.

From Barron's

Macron was among those urging the EU to consider retaliatory options against US tariffs.

From BBC

In response, US Treasury chief Scott Bessent said Monday that any retaliatory EU tariffs would be "unwise".

From Barron's

Treasurys or impose retaliatory tariffs over Greenland as a “false narrative.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023