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.

But Iranian forces continue to operate mobile systems and launch retaliatory attacks, underscoring the regime’s resilience and the difficulty of neutralizing its long‑range capabilities completely.

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2026

Meanwhile, both the United Arab Emirates and Qatar were being targeted by retaliatory drone and missile strikes from Iran, creating a tense and fearful environment for those who were trapped in airports and hotels.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

Both main contracts, which had surged more than a quarter last week, spiked as Iran carried out retaliatory strikes against crude-producing Gulf nations.

From Barron's • Mar. 9, 2026

Gulf oil producers were reassured by U.S. officials that retaliatory attacks on their soil, if they were to happen, would likely be limited to U.S. bases, according to Arab Gulf officials.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 8, 2026

“Yurr, oi reckon they pesky varmints got’n an ’eadache,” chuckled Foremole, as everybody on the ramparts ran to seek cover from the retaliatory missiles hurled by Cluny’s horde.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques

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