PUNISH Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'punish' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of punish are castigate , chasten , chastise , correct , and discipline . While all these words mean "to inflict a penalty on in requital for wrongdoing," punish implies subjecting to a penalty for wrongdoing. // punished for stealing

Q: When is 'castigate' a more appropriate choice than 'punish'?

Although the words castigate and punish have much in common, castigate usually implies a severe, typically public censure. // an editorial castigating the entire city council

Q: When might 'chasten' be a better fit than 'punish'?

The meanings of chasten and punish largely overlap; however, chasten suggests any affliction or trial that leaves one humbled or subdued. // chastened by a landslide election defeat

Q: In what contexts can 'chastise' take the place of 'punish'?

In some situations, the words chastise and punish are roughly equivalent. However, chastise may apply to either the infliction of corporal punishment or to verbal censure or denunciation. // chastised his son for neglecting his studies

Q: When can 'correct' be used instead of 'punish'?

The words correct and punish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, correct implies punishing aimed at reforming an offender. // the function of prison is to correct the wrongdoer

Q: When would 'discipline' be a good substitute for 'punish'?

The words discipline and punish can be used in similar contexts, but discipline implies a punishing or chastening in order to bring under control. // parents must discipline their children

punish

verb

ˈpə-nish

Definition of punish next

as in to penalize

to inflict a penalty on for a fault or crime the child was punished for breaking dishes on purpose if caught, the thief will be severely punished

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word punish distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of punish are castigate, chasten, chastise, correct, and discipline. While all these words mean "to inflict a penalty on in requital for wrongdoing," punish implies subjecting to a penalty for wrongdoing.

punished for stealing

When is castigate a more appropriate choice than punish?

Although the words castigate and punish have much in common, castigate usually implies a severe, typically public censure.

an editorial castigating the entire city council

When might chasten be a better fit than punish?

The meanings of chasten and punish largely overlap; however, chasten suggests any affliction or trial that leaves one humbled or subdued.

chastened by a landslide election defeat

In what contexts can chastise take the place of punish?

In some situations, the words chastise and punish are roughly equivalent. However, chastise may apply to either the infliction of corporal punishment or to verbal censure or denunciation.

chastised his son for neglecting his studies

When can correct be used instead of punish?

The words correct and punish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, correct implies punishing aimed at reforming an offender.

the function of prison is to correct the wrongdoer

When would discipline be a good substitute for punish?

The words discipline and punish can be used in similar contexts, but discipline implies a punishing or chastening in order to bring under control.

parents must discipline their children

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of punish Hubbard would routinely punish members of the organization who committed minor infractions by binding them, blindfolding them, and throwing them overboard into icy waters. —

Lila Shapiro, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2025 And tennis is particularly punishing: one bad day, a few bad games, even in a slew of good ones, and a player is knocked out. —

Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2025 Huma also noted that five states, including California, now have statutes that allow schools to directly pay their athletes NIL money while prohibiting the NCAA or conferences from punishing them. —

Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 10 Jan. 2025 Udoka was punished for verbally abusing an attendant game official and lingering on the court for too long after he was ejected from play. —

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for punish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for punish

Verb

This is definitely interesting timing, given the fact that X essentially rewarded negativity when Biden was president but is shifting to penalize negativity under Trump.

Dan Perry, Newsweek, 4 Jan. 2025
At school, we are praised for obedience and penalized for questioning authority.

Dr. Sunita Sah, TIME, 4 Jan. 2025