eager for retribution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "eager for retribution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong desire for revenge or punishment against someone for a perceived wrong. Example: "After being betrayed by his closest friend, he was eager for retribution and plotted his revenge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

No one knows if he's alive or dead, but the A.L.P. are eager for retribution.

The New York Times - Magazine

They were eager for retribution against Osama bin Laden but unhappy with the bombing of Afghanistan.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He was sexy, intelligent and eager to receive retribution for murdering two men.

The New York Times

The situation around the barricades is peaceful at press time, but thousands remain here, angry at the deaths of protesters and eager to seek retribution for those who have been beaten, tortured, and humiliated by police.

Vice

The situation around the barricades is peaceful at the time of writing, but thousands remain here, angry at the deaths of protesters and eager to seek retribution for those who have been beaten, tortured and humiliated by police.

Vice

Longing for retribution is longing for retribution.

The Economist

Now is the time for retribution".

Independent

Insurgency was his cover for retribution.

The New York Times

For retribution wounds and divides us from one another.

University of California, Berkeley

I hoped an opportunity for retribution would soon present itself.

The New York Times

I expected anger, vindictiveness, a desire for retribution.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "eager for retribution", consider the intensity of the emotion you want to convey. It suggests a strong, almost impatient desire for revenge or punishment.

Common error

Avoid using "eager for retribution" when you mean simply seeking justice. Retribution implies a personal desire for revenge, while justice is a broader concept of fairness and legal correction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "eager for retribution" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes someone's state of mind, highlighting their strong desire to inflict punishment or seek revenge. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "eager for retribution" describes a strong desire for revenge or punishment, often in response to a perceived wrong. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in written English. Although "eager for retribution" is not frequently used, when it is, it commonly appears in News & Media, reflecting contexts of conflict, justice, and the aftermath of wrongdoing. It's important to use this phrase carefully, being aware of the distinction between seeking retribution (a more personal desire for payback) and seeking justice (a broader concept of fairness). Alternatives include "thirsty for revenge" or "seeking retribution" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeking retribution

This uses a more formal term for revenge, implying a sense of justice.

thirsty for revenge

This alternative evokes a strong, almost desperate desire for revenge, emphasizing the intensity of the feeling.

hungry for vengeance

Similar to "thirsty for revenge", this alternative highlights a consuming need for vengeance.

demanding retribution

This suggests a strong and assertive call for punishment or payback.

seeking revenge

This is a more direct and straightforward way of expressing the desire to get even.

insisting on retribution

Similar to demanding, this emphasizes the firmness of the desire for retribution.

intent on revenge

This suggests a determined and focused pursuit of revenge.

out for revenge

This indicates a clear and active pursuit of revenge.

desiring vengeance

This alternative focuses on the internal feeling of wanting vengeance.

yearning for vengeance

This evokes a deep and emotional longing for vengeance.

FAQs

How can I use "eager for retribution" in a sentence?

You can use "eager for retribution" to describe someone who strongly desires revenge or punishment for a perceived wrong. For example: "After being betrayed, he was "eager for retribution"."

What's a less intense way to say "eager for retribution"?

If you want to express a milder sentiment, you could say someone is "seeking justice" or "hoping for accountability".

Is "eager for retribution" the same as "eager for revenge"?

While similar, "retribution" often implies a sense of justified punishment, whereas "revenge" can suggest a more personal and possibly disproportionate response. You can also use "hungry for vengeance".

What is the difference between "retribution" and "revenge"?

"Retribution" generally suggests a morally justified response to wrongdoing, often within a legal or ethical framework. "Revenge", on the other hand, implies a more personal and often emotional reaction, potentially exceeding the bounds of fairness or legality.