How do you pronounce "punitive"?

In American English: /ˈpjuːnətɪv/ (PYOON-uht-iv). In British English: /pjˈuːnɪtˌɪv/ (PY-oon-it). In Canadian English: /ˈpjuːnətɪv/ (PYOON-uht-iv). In Australian English: /pjˈuːnɪtˌɪv/ (PY-oon-it).

Is "punitive" pronounced differently in American and British English?

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˈpjuːnətɪv/ (PYOON-uht-iv), while in British English it's /pjˈuːnɪtˌɪv/ (PY-oon-it).

How to Pronounce "punitive"

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punitive

regional

/ˈpjuːnətɪv/

PYOON-uht-iv

Syllable Breakdown

pjuːnpu·ətni·ɪvtive

Source

80%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14