| English Dictionary |
RETRIBUTIVE
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Dictionary entry overview: What does retributive mean?
• RETRIBUTIVE (adjective)
The adjective RETRIBUTIVE has 2 senses:
1. of or relating to or having the nature of retribution
2. given or inflicted in requital according to merits or deserts
Familiarity information: RETRIBUTIVE used as an adjective is rare.
Dictionary entry details
Sense 1
Meaning:
Of or relating to or having the nature of retribution
Synonyms:
retaliative; retaliatory; retributive; retributory; vindicatory
Context example:
retributive justice demands an eye for an eye
Similar:
punitive; punitory (inflicting punishment)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Given or inflicted in requital according to merits or deserts
Synonyms:
retributive; retributory; vindicatory
Context example:
retributive justice
Similar:
just (used especially of what is legally or ethically right or proper or fitting)
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