retributive
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
- retributively adverb
- unretributive adjective
- unretributory adjective
Etymology
Origin of retributive
1670–80; obsolete retribute to make retribution (< Latin retribūtus; retribution ) + -ive
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.
The untrammeled and retributive presidency he now exercises?
It was one of several cases Winston turned down in quick succession, they added, that would have pitted the firm against an openly retributive president.
From Salon
A majority of the country is not on board with their wild grievance-laden, retributive agenda.
From Salon
“The best hope was their sticking together and fighting the illegal, retributive orders.”
From Los Angeles Times
"There will be no politicization at the FBI. There will be no retributive actions taken by any FBI."
From Salon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
