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.

But Iranian forces continue to operate mobile systems and launch retaliatory attacks, underscoring the regime’s resilience and the difficulty of neutralizing its long‑range capabilities completely.

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2026

Meanwhile, both the United Arab Emirates and Qatar were being targeted by retaliatory drone and missile strikes from Iran, creating a tense and fearful environment for those who were trapped in airports and hotels.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

In the wake of Tehran's retaliatory strikes across the region, tens of thousands of flights have been cancelled, affecting millions of passengers.

From Barron's • Mar. 19, 2026

Several shared memes of Mr. Bean giving the middle finger, likening Iranian retaliatory attacks on the Gulf to the bumbling comedic character.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 8, 2026

President Kennedy had warned that any Soviet attack would be met with “a full retaliatory response.”

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin

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