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retributory

retributory

9.9
Something that punishes or rewards someone for what they did
  • adjective
  • /ˌrɛtrɪˈbjuːtəri/
  • Formal
translation icon : retributivo
  • The judge issued a retributory sentence for the crime.

Examples

  • Many believe that the retributory justice system is outdated.

  • Many societies have included retributory elements in their codes of justice.

  • He believed in retributory actions to restore moral balance.

  • The court took a retributory approach when deciding the sentence.

  • Many societies have included retributory elements in their codes of justice.

  • The court took a retributory approach when deciding the sentence.

  • He believed in retributory actions to restore moral balance.

Synonyms

punitive
vsretributory
  • Formal
81 7.0

That makes someone receive a penalty for breaking a rule

also covers giving reward as well as punishment based on merit
retaliatory
vsretributory
19 7.8

A response that hurts someone in return for an earlier attack

focuses on deserved responses, not only on revenge after harm
retributive
vsretributory
  • Formal
1 8.0

Relating to punishment that aims to give someone what they deserve

gives punishment or reward based on what someone merits
deserved
vsretributory
1 3.4

Earned fairly because of what someone did

refers to giving punishment or reward based on that merit
vindicatory
vsretributory
9.9

Intended as punishment to restore justice after a wrong

emphasises giving penalty or reward according to what is deserved
retaliative
vsretributory
8.3

Intended to punish someone in return for a wrong

stresses giving punishment or reward according to who deserves it

Antonyms

64 3.1

Ready to stop feeling angry after someone hurts you

How Punitive

vindictive
46 7.9
punitive
  • Formal
81 7.0
retributory
  • Formal
9.9
lenient
32 4.4
merciful
54 3.3

Surface Forms

retributory positive

Etymology

Retributory comes from the Latin parts re- 'back' and tribuere 'to give', the same part behind tribute and retribution. So, a retributory action is about 'giving back' what someone deserves, especially punishment or reward.