What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
retaliative
Example
The country took retaliative measures after their embassy was attacked. [retaliative: adjective]
Example
She made a retaliative comment after being insulted by her colleague. [retaliative: adjective]
reprisal
Example
The company threatened to take legal reprisals against the employee who leaked confidential information. [reprisals: noun]
Example
The government warned of military reprisals if the terrorist group did not stop their attacks. [reprisals: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reprisal is more commonly used than retaliative in everyday language. Reprisal is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while retaliative is less common and may be used in more specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between retaliative and reprisal?
Both retaliative and reprisal are formal words that are typically used in serious or legal contexts. However, reprisal may be used in more informal contexts as well.
