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.

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

The jury ordered the companies to pay $3 million in compensatory damages and $3 million in punitive damages to the plaintiff, a now-20-year-old woman named Kaley, whose last name was redacted in the case.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

In arguing his case for punitive damages, Kaley's attorney Mark Lanier - a folksy Texas litigator - had shown the jury a jar of M&Ms.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

The lawsuit also seeks $7 million in punitive damages.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

There shall be no annexations, no contributions, no punitive damages.

From England, Canada and the Great War by Desjardins, Louis-Georges