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.

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 jury also said the companies should pay another $3 million in punitive damages.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

In a second phase, jurors added a further $3 million in total punitive damages after finding both companies had acted with malice, oppression or fraud.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

The jury in the Santa Monica case could award even more in punitive damages that they have yet to determine.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

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

From Wild Justice by Sprague, Ruth M.