Standard Lemma guide

retributive

adj · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /ɹɪˈtɹɪ.bjʊ.tɪv/
  • /ɹəˈtɹɪb.jə.tɪv/
  • US: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

adj

Meaning 1

Relating to retribution; retaliatory.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: retributionary, retributory, retaliatory, retributive, vindicatory

Antonyms: none provided

2

adjective satellite

Meaning 2

given or inflicted in requital according to merits or deserts

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • retributive justice

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: retributory, vindicatory

Antonyms: none provided

3

adjective satellite

Meaning 3

of or relating to or having the nature of retribution

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • retributive justice demands an eye for an eye

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: retaliatory, relatiative, retributory, vindicatory

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.