Synonyms

retaliatory

American

[ri-tal-ee-uh-tawr-ee] / rɪˈtæl i əˌtɔr i /

Rarely retaliative

adjective

done in order to take revenge; returning evil for evil.

Hate crimes are especially likely to inflict emotional harm and provoke retaliatory violence.

Other Word Forms

unretaliative adjective
unretaliatory adjective

Etymology

Origin of retaliatory

retaliat(e) ( def. ) + -ory ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Kabul had warned of retaliatory action "at the appropriate time" following the strikes overnight into Sunday.

From BBC

The report added that retaliatory tariffs imposed by Canada on certain goods might have also prompted a shift away from U.S. products—although Prime Minister Mark Carney dropped most of those duties in late August.

From The Wall Street Journal

Canada initially imposed retaliatory tariffs against U.S. products, but later dropped most of them in an effort to reset negotiations.

From The Wall Street Journal

From frequent Ukrainian retaliatory drone attacks to army recruitment adverts around the city, the conflict has gradually seeped into daily life.

From Barron's

Macron was among those urging the EU to consider retaliatory options against US tariffs.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023