punitive damages

NOUN

compensation in excess of actual damage

Synonyms

WEAK

amercement compensatory damages damages financial penalty

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 complaint seeks a permanent injunction, an award no less than for $15 million for actual damages and punitive damages.

From Barron's • May 11, 2026

He has demanded both compensatory damages to redress his own harms as well as punitive damages “to deter future unconstitutional conduct.”

From Slate • Apr. 15, 2026

When arguing for punitive damages against the tech companies, Lanier held up a jar of 415 M&Ms to show how a $1 billion fine would be a fraction of Alphabet’s $415 billion in shareholder equity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

The lawsuit also seeks $7 million in punitive damages.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

A court subsequently awarded them nearly a million dollars in compensatory and punitive damages.

From Wild Justice by Sprague, Ruth M.