What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
retribute
Example
I want to retribute your kindness by buying you lunch. [retribute: verb]
Example
I need to retribute the book I borrowed from the library. [retribute: verb]
retaliate
Example
He decided to retaliate against his boss by quitting his job. [retaliate: verb]
Example
She retaliated by spreading rumors about her ex-boyfriend. [retaliated: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Retaliate is more commonly used than retribute in everyday language. Retaliate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while retribute is less common and refers to a specific act of repaying or compensating.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between retribute and retaliate?
Retribute is typically associated with a more formal or polite tone, while retaliate is more informal or confrontational in nature.
