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 judge denied the defendants’ request to dismiss the negligence, emotional distress and punitive damages claims.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 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 jurors ordered the companies to pay $6 million in damages, including $3 million in punitive damages, holding them accountable for the mental health toll of their design choices.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

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

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