punitive damages
plural noun
: damages awarded in excess of compensation to the plaintiff to punish a defendant for a serious wrong
Examples of punitive damages in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Two San Bernardino sisters who sued their insurance company for failing to pay to repair flood damage on their home are now $18 million richer after a jury found in their favor and imposed emotional and punitive damages on the insurance company.
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Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2024
Howard had three minor children, according to the suit, which is still pending in court and seeks a judgment against Ferguson, as well as compensatory and punitive damages totaling no more than $60,000.
—Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 9 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for punitive damages 
Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2024
Howard had three minor children, according to the suit, which is still pending in court and seeks a judgment against Ferguson, as well as compensatory and punitive damages totaling no more than $60,000.
—Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 9 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for punitive damages
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'punitive damages.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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“Punitive damages.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punitive%20damages. Accessed 15 May. 2024.
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