Punitive damages are a form of financial penalty awarded by a court to punish a defendant for their wrongful conduct. There are various synonyms for punitive damages that can be used depending on the context. For example, they can be referred to as exemplary damages, which emphasizes that they are intended to serve as an example to others and discourage similar behavior. Another term that is sometimes used is vindictive damages, which suggests that they are awarded out of a desire for revenge. Other possible synonyms include retribution, compensation, and deterrent damages. Each of these terms highlights a different aspect of the purpose and function of punitive damages in legal proceedings.