seek retribution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seek retribution" is a valid English phrase that is often used in written English.
It is used to describe the act of seeking revenge or punishment for a wrong done to oneself or others. For example: "After years of enduring the abuse of his manager, the disgruntled employee finally decided to seek retribution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

He said the Mongols would not seek retribution.

The New York Times

That inspired the Isles' Eric Cairns to seek retribution twice.

The New York Times - Sports

Some people are simply mad at airlines and seek retribution.

The New York Times

His voice then dropped to a whisper, and he added, "I would like to seek retribution".

The New Yorker

It said the strikes were "to avenge the bloodshed and to seek retribution from the killers".

The Guardian

"Isis is being squeezed on the ground and it will seek retribution in Jordan and elsewhere," warns a European diplomat.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Victors will seek retributions that can be as horrible or more horrible than those they suffered.

Huffington Post

I am seeking retribution.

The Guardian

But I am not seeking retribution.

The Guardian

Gandhi called for peace, but the RSS sought retribution.

The Economist

He was asked whether he was seeking retribution.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seek retribution", ensure the context clearly establishes the prior wrong or injustice that motivates the action. Clarity in this regard strengthens the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "seek retribution" in situations where a simple apology or reconciliation would suffice. The phrase implies a strong sense of injustice and a desire for revenge, which can be overly dramatic in minor disputes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek retribution" functions as a verb phrase, where "seek" is the main verb and "retribution" is the direct object. It expresses the action of pursuing revenge or exacting punishment for a perceived wrong. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a commonly used and valid English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seek retribution" is a commonly used verb phrase that expresses the act of pursuing revenge or punishment for a wrong. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. While its register is generally neutral, it carries a weight suggesting a more formal or serious context. The phrase is frequently found in news and media sources, reflecting its association with events involving injustice and the desire for revenge. When using "seek retribution", it's important to consider the context and ensure that the strong implications of the phrase are appropriate. If a lighter tone is required, alternatives like "get even" or "settle the score" may be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take revenge

This is a direct and common way to express the act of avenging a wrong.

retaliate against

This focuses on responding to an action with a similar action.

exact revenge

This emphasizes the act of inflicting revenge after a wrong.

pursue vengeance

This highlights the active chasing of revenge as a goal.

avenge oneself

This implies taking revenge directly, emphasizing personal action.

call for retaliation

This suggests that others are requesting that someone seek retribution

settle the score

This implies resolving a conflict by achieving a sense of balance through revenge.

get even

A more informal way of expressing the desire for revenge.

demand satisfaction

This suggests a formal or legalistic approach to seeking justice.

seek redress

This indicates seeking compensation or remedy for a wrong suffered.

FAQs

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

You can use "seek retribution" to describe someone who is actively trying to get revenge or justice for a perceived wrong. For example, "After being betrayed, he decided to "seek retribution" against those who wronged him."

What is a less formal alternative to "seek retribution"?

If you are looking for a less formal alternative, you could use phrases like "get even" or "settle the score", depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to "seek retribution"?

No, ""seek retribution"" implies a strong desire for revenge and may not be appropriate in situations where forgiveness or reconciliation is possible or preferable. Consider the severity of the offense and the potential consequences of your actions.

What's the difference between ""seek retribution"" and "seek justice"?

"Seek retribution" implies a desire for revenge or punishment, while "seek justice" suggests a more impartial and fair resolution to a wrong. Retribution is often personal, whereas justice aims for a broader societal balance.