as in punitive
inflicting, involving, or serving as punishment
forced to listen to a penalizing lecture on the consequences of lying
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in punishing
to inflict a penalty on for a fault or crime
the player was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of penalizing
Nathan Goldman,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
Rafael Carranza,
ProPublica,
25 June 2026
Missing the green was brutally penalizing, as well.
—
Justin Ray,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
As a result, many workplaces reward women who are pleasant while penalizing those who are direct.
—
Maia Niguel Hoskin,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
The focus should be on solving the underlying issue, not penalizing the people doing the work.
—
Mercury News Editorial Board,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
Assuming otherwise undermines patient safety while penalizing the professionals who care for the most vulnerable patients.
—
Dr. John Guzzi,
Hartford Courant,
27 May 2026
But opposition to the new flag recently led exasperated Democratic legislators, hoping to make a point, to propose a last-minute bill penalizing cities that opted for the former flag.
—
Jeremy Fugleberg,
Twin Cities,
23 May 2026
That same year, Newsom signed legislation aimed at penalizing oil companies for excessive refinery profits and price gouging at the pump.
—
Kenny Choi,
CBS News,
23 May 2026
The administration first proposed penalizing states with AI safety regulations without any federal substitute.
—
Sam Liccardo,
Washington Post,
22 May 2026
Adjective
Beginning in 2026, the rules surrounding deducting losses become even more penalizing.
—
Nathan Goldman,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
Verb
The sheriff’s office said the incidents in question proved that internal checks strengthened by court orders were working properly, and that the monitor was penalizing the department for following those orders and policies.
—
Rafael Carranza,
ProPublica,
25 June 2026
Missing the green was brutally penalizing, as well.
—
Justin Ray,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
As a result, many workplaces reward women who are pleasant while penalizing those who are direct.
—
Maia Niguel Hoskin,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
The focus should be on solving the underlying issue, not penalizing the people doing the work.
—
Mercury News Editorial Board,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
Assuming otherwise undermines patient safety while penalizing the professionals who care for the most vulnerable patients.
—
Dr. John Guzzi,
Hartford Courant,
27 May 2026
But opposition to the new flag recently led exasperated Democratic legislators, hoping to make a point, to propose a last-minute bill penalizing cities that opted for the former flag.
—
Jeremy Fugleberg,
Twin Cities,
23 May 2026
That same year, Newsom signed legislation aimed at penalizing oil companies for excessive refinery profits and price gouging at the pump.
—
Kenny Choi,
CBS News,
23 May 2026
The administration first proposed penalizing states with AI safety regulations without any federal substitute.
—
Sam Liccardo,
Washington Post,
22 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penalizing
Adjective
-
Sanctions relief for Iran would follow a timetable that Washington and Tehran would need to agree upon and extend to the removal of punitive measures imposed on the country by the UN Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governors.
-
European leaders also live in fear of additional punitive tariffs.
Verb
-
Meanwhile, Bobby is soft-launching his relationship, which leads to Chane punishing Bobby by firing his restaurant partner, the Goose to Bobby’s Maverick.
-
France has banned public alcohol consumption as Europe swelters under a punishing heat dome.
Cite this Entry
“Penalizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penalizing. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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