corrective

adjective

cor·​rec·​tive kə-ˈrek-tiv 

: intended to correct

corrective lenses

corrective punishment

corrective noun

correctively adverb

Synonyms of corrective

• reformative
• beneficial
• remedial

Examples of corrective in a Sentence

She had corrective surgery on her knee this past summer.

People with bad eyesight usually need to wear corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Recent Examples on the Web

The latest in a long series of corrective measures was a thirteen-per-cent state income tax on millionaires, which went into effect in 2012 and is due to expire in 2030. — Nicholas Lemann, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026

Employees who fail to comply may be subject to corrective or disciplinary action, according to the draft policy. — Ana Goñi-Lessan, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026

In a filing explaining their position in August, prosecutors said that while mistakes were made, corrective measures have since been taken and there is no evidence of vindictive prosecution that would warrant further hearings or sanctions. — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026

Record which component failed, the product’s age, symptoms, installation conditions, corrective action and the time required to resolve it. — Christopher Kiggins, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing corrective

• self-corrective

Rhymes for corrective

• advective
• affective
• collective
• connective
• convective
• defective
• detective
• directive
• effective
• elective
• infective
• injective

Kids Definition

corrective

adjective

cor·​rec·​tive kə-ˈrek-tiv 

: serving to correct : having the power of making right, normal, or regular

corrective lenses

corrective action

corrective noun

Medical Definition

corrective

1 of 2 adjective

cor·​rec·​tive kə-ˈrek-tiv 

: intended to correct

corrective lenses

corrective surgery

correctively adverb

corrective

2 of 2 noun

: a medication that removes undesirable or unpleasant side effects of other medication

phenobarbital acts as a corrective in overcoming the insomnia produced by ephedrine