CHASTISE Synonyms: 103 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of chastise are castigate , chasten , correct , discipline , and punish . While all these words mean "to inflict a penalty on in requital for wrongdoing," 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 could 'castigate' be used to replace 'chastise'?

In some situations, the words castigate and chastise are roughly equivalent. However, castigate usually implies a severe, typically public censure. // an editorial castigating the entire city council

Q: When can 'chasten' be used instead of 'chastise'?

While the synonyms chasten and chastise are close in meaning, chasten suggests any affliction or trial that leaves one humbled or subdued. // chastened by a landslide election defeat

Q: When might 'correct' be a better fit than 'chastise'?

While in some cases nearly identical to chastise , correct implies punishing aimed at reforming an offender. // the function of prison is to correct the wrongdoer

Q: When is 'discipline' a more appropriate choice than 'chastise'?

Although the words discipline and chastise have much in common, discipline implies a punishing or chastening in order to bring under control. // parents must discipline their children

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

The words punish and chastise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, punish implies subjecting to a penalty for wrongdoing. // punished for stealing

chastise

verb

ˈcha-ˌstīz

Definition of chastise next

as in to scold

to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings a cold, distant father who rarely paid attention to his children except to chastise them

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to punish

to inflict a penalty on for a fault or crime the division of opinion regarding the appropriate way to chastise juvenile perpetrators of adult crimes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word chastise distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of chastise are castigate, chasten, correct, discipline, and punish. While all these words mean "to inflict a penalty on in requital for wrongdoing," chastise may apply to either the infliction of corporal punishment or to verbal censure or denunciation.

chastised his son for neglecting his studies

When could castigate be used to replace chastise?

In some situations, the words castigate and chastise are roughly equivalent. However, castigate usually implies a severe, typically public censure.

an editorial castigating the entire city council

When can chasten be used instead of chastise?

While the synonyms chasten and chastise are close in meaning, chasten suggests any affliction or trial that leaves one humbled or subdued.

chastened by a landslide election defeat

When might correct be a better fit than chastise?

While in some cases nearly identical to chastise, correct implies punishing aimed at reforming an offender.

the function of prison is to correct the wrongdoer

When is discipline a more appropriate choice than chastise?

Although the words discipline and chastise have much in common, discipline implies a punishing or chastening in order to bring under control.

parents must discipline their children

In what contexts can punish take the place of chastise?

The words punish and chastise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, punish implies subjecting to a penalty for wrongdoing.

punished for stealing

Example 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 chastise Members of the City Council have chastised Palantir publicly for its work with ICE, and advocacy groups have tried to push the council to divest from any services or contracts with the company. —

Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 17 Feb. 2026 There is inevitably going to be an onslaught of thinkpieces and TikTok rants dedicated to chastising this casting. —

Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 12 Feb. 2026 Close stopped play, chastising her. —

Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 7 Feb. 2026 Some viewed the discovery as a divine gift, while a local priest chastised the explorers for unearthing Satan, saying the blowout was God’s punishment. —

The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chastise

Recent Examples of Synonyms for chastise

Verb

But Saxon said Ye kept him constantly on edge, demanding photo updates of construction work, scolding him for wearing blue instead of the all-black worker uniform Ye preferred, and suddenly adding 24/7 security duties to his workload.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 25 Feb. 2026
In Zambrano’s case, Gee scolded the government over how the detention unfolded.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026