punitive
1 synonyms and 2 antonyms for punitive, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Intended as a punishment, or inflicting one.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use punitive
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin punitivus, from punire, "to punish."
Full origin of punitive →Frequently asked questions
What does “punitive” mean?
The word “punitive” means intended as a punishment, or inflicting one. In plain terms, meant to punish, especially through fines, taxes, or damages.
How do you pronounce “punitive”?
“Punitive” is pronounced PYOO-nih-tihv (/ˈpju.nɪ.tɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “punitive” in a sentence?
Here is “punitive” used in a sentence: “The government imposed punitive tariffs on imports.”
What is the opposite of “punitive”?
The opposite of “punitive” — its antonyms — are nonpunitive and unpunitive.
What part of speech is “punitive”?
“Punitive” is an adjective.
Where does the word “punitive” come from?
The word “punitive” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin punitivus, from punire, "to punish.".
Is “punitive” a common word?
“Punitive” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.