retributive

[ ri-trib-yuh-tiv ]

/ rɪˈtrɪb yə tɪv /

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See synonyms for retributive on Thesaurus.com

adjective

characterized by or involving retribution: retributive justice.

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Also retrib·u·to·ry

[ri-trib-yuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee]. /rɪˈtrɪb yəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i/.

Origin of retributive

1670–80; obsolete retribute to make retribution (<Latin retribūtus;see retribution) + -ive

OTHER WORDS FROM retributive

re·trib·u·tive·ly, adverbun·re·trib·u·tive, adjectiveun·re·trib·u·to·ry, adjective

Words nearby retributive

retreatism, retrench, retrenchment, retrial, retribution, retributive, retributivism, retrieval, retrieve, retriever, retro

How to use retributive in a sentence

A pure retributive sentence would mean that Chauvin should get the death penalty, which Minnesota has outlawed since 1911.
This is what Derek Chauvin’s sentence should be|Paul Butler|June 24, 2021|Washington Post
I felt that Alla would sooner or later urge me on to be the humble means of a retributive justice overtaking him.
Confessions of a Thug|Philip Meadows Taylor
A general shout proclaimed the acquiescence of the other seamen in this act of retributive justice.
Newton Forster|Captain Frederick Marryat
Here are no expressions of malice, no invocations even of God's retributive justice, not a complaint of suffering wrongfully!
Fox's Book of Martyrs|John Foxe

Sadly and prayerfully while she slept lifted he the retributive mallet and beat in her brittle pate.
The Fiend's Delight|Dod Grile
Is there no retributive justice dogging his heels, from which all the glories and adulations of earth cannot shield him?
The Life of Thomas Wanless, Peasant|Alexander Johnstone Wilson