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.

Unified suit appears to target the entire $22 million as restitution plus potential punitive damages.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 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

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

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

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