exact retribution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exact retribution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a precise or specific form of punishment or compensation for a wrongdoing. Example: "The judge believed that the defendant deserved exact retribution for the harm caused to the victim."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

He vows, "From all the gods of Egypt I will exact retribution".

The New Yorker

What about those liberal groups that promised to exact retribution on Democrats who went soft?

The Washington Post

Force of arms can win territory, cripple an enemy's ability to operate or exact retribution.

The New York Times

Does she know how many people hide behind "advocacy" to exact retribution for personal and political wounds?

The New York Times

Clifford introduced Francis to the News of the World, which was happy to exact retribution from Archer.

The New Yorker

Ultimately, the purpose of counter-speech should not be to exact retribution or to humiliate, but rather to persuade.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Of course that could reflect fear of a mayor with a predilection for exacting retribution.

The New York Times

"I see the dead exacting retribution for the way we've treated the earth, and them," Mr. Sturma said.

The New York Times - Books

We, the taxpayers, pick up the tab for the military, whereas in commercial products, the market soon exacts retribution.

The New York Times

The Senate Democrats said the rules would muzzle them and further close deliberations to public scrutiny, and they accused the Republicans of exacting retribution for their heightened activism.

The New York Times

For hours, exacting retribution, Israeli tanks and helicopter gunships shelled the refugee camp outside Bethlehem that Israelis described as the source of the attack.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exact retribution", ensure the context clearly defines the wrongdoing and the form of punishment or redress being sought. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "exact retribution" when the intent is purely personal revenge without regard for justice or proportionality. Retribution implies a justified response to a wrong, not simply a vengeful act.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exact retribution" functions as a verb phrase where "exact" is a transitive verb, and "retribution" is its direct object. According to Ludwig AI, it's a valid construction, common in both formal and informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Science & Research

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exact retribution" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of inflicting punishment or seeking redress for a wrong. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, ranging from formal legal discussions to more informal narratives. While "retribution" carries a nuance of justified repayment, it's important to differentiate it from mere "seeking revenge", which can lack moral justification. When choosing to use "exact retribution", carefully consider the context to ensure that it accurately reflects the intent of the speaker or writer.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

visit retribution upon

This alternative offers a more formal and sometimes archaic way of saying "exact retribution".

inflict punishment

This alternative suggests a more general application of punishment, without necessarily implying a direct response to a specific wrong.

administer punishment

This suggests a formal or official application of punishment, similar to "inflict punishment".

mete out justice

This phrase focuses on the administration of justice, which may or may not involve retribution.

impose penalty

This alternative is specific to applying a penalty, often in a legal or regulatory context.

seek vengeance

This alternative emphasizes the personal desire for revenge, rather than a formal or legal process.

take revenge

This alternative is similar to "seek vengeance" but implies a more active pursuit of revenge.

demand satisfaction

This phrase implies a need for redress, which may or may not involve punishment.

settle the score

Similar to "get even", this implies resolving a conflict or redressing a wrong.

get even

An informal way of saying "take revenge", it focuses on achieving a balanced score after a perceived wrong.

FAQs

How can I use "exact retribution" in a sentence?

You can use "exact retribution" to describe a situation where someone is seeking to punish another for a wrongdoing, for example: "The victim's family sought to exact retribution on the perpetrator of the crime."

What are some alternatives to "exact retribution"?

Alternatives to "exact retribution" include "inflict punishment", "mete out justice", or "seek vengeance", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "exact retribution" or "seek revenge"?

"Exact retribution" implies a more formal and justifiable action, while "seek revenge" suggests a personal and potentially less justified act of vengeance. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "retribution" and "vengeance"?

"Retribution" generally refers to a morally justified punishment or repayment for a wrong, whereas "vengeance" often implies a more personal, emotional, and potentially excessive response.