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 lawsuit also seeks $7 million in punitive damages.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

The jury also determined that additional punitive damages, which are meant to punish the companies, were warranted.

From The Wall Street Journal • 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

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

From The Economic Consequences of the Peace by Keynes, John Maynard