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Definition of corrective

corrective

/kəˈrɛk.tɪv/
cor · rec · tive
Adverb:correctively
•
Plural:correctives
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corrective Lexical Profile

corrective Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Designed or tending to correct, counteract, or remedy a flaw, defect, or undesirable condition.

Example

"The patient underwent corrective surgery to repair a congenital heart defect."

2

Intended to reform, discipline, or rehabilitate behavior that is considered improper or unlawful.

Example

"The regulatory board issued corrective guidelines after the audit revealed several compliance violations."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

A measure, agent, or influence that counteracts or remedies something undesirable or harmful.

Example

"Independent journalism serves as a vital corrective to official misinformation."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for corrective

• Nearby Words

correction
correctional
corrections
corrective
correctively
correctly
correctness

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in Middle English from Old French correctif, derived from the Latin past participle stem correctus ('made straight' or 'set right'), from corrigere ('to put straight, reform').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Corrective. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/corrective
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