What is the opposite of “compensatory”?

What is the antonym of “compensatory”?

The antonyms of compensatory are punitive and retaliatory. The antonyms punitive and retaliatory convey a negative or punishing action in response to something.

Brief Definitions of the Antonym(s)

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

punitive

Intended as punishment, often involving a penalty or fine.

Example

The company was hit with a punitive fine for violating environmental regulations.

retaliatory

Intended as revenge or retaliation for something that has been done.

Example

The country launched a retaliatory attack after being attacked by its neighbor.

How are these antonyms different from each other?

• 1. Punitive refers to a punishment or penalty imposed as a consequence of wrongdoing.
• 2. Retaliatory refers to an action taken in response to an attack or harm caused by someone else.
• 3. Compensatory refers to making up for a loss or damage caused by someone else.

Good things to know

• 1. Legal Context: Use compensatory to refer to damages awarded to compensate for losses or injuries.
• 2. Business Context: Use punitive to describe fines or penalties imposed on companies for violating laws or regulations.
• 3. Conflict Resolution: Use retaliatory to describe actions taken in response to an attack or harm caused by someone else.

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Remember this!

The antonyms have distinct nuances: Punitive refers to punishment, retaliatory refers to revenge, and compensatory refers to making up for a loss. Use these words in legal contexts to refer to damages awarded, in business contexts to describe fines or penalties, and in conflict resolution to describe actions taken in response to an attack or harm caused by someone else.