Synonyms of penalize

penalize

verb

ˈpē-nə-ˌlīz 

as in to punish

to inflict a penalty on for a fault or crime

the player was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct

Synonyms & Similar Words

• punish
• fine
• chastise
• criticize
• correct
• discipline
• castigate
• sentence
• impose
• assess
• convict
• chasten
• condemn
• levy
• dock
• charge
• denounce
• mulct
• reprimand
• wreak
• damn
• reprove
• rebuke
• keelhaul

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• excuse
• spare
• pardon
• forfeit
• release
• get off
• ransom
• exonerate
• absolve
• vindicate
• commute
• acquit
• exculpate
• reprieve

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of penalize

During a second-round match between two of tennis’ most combustible personalities, Ilie Nastase and John McEnroe, chair umpire Frank Hammond penalized and eventually defaulted Nastase for his behavior. — Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026

New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania have introduced or passed legislation penalizing the practice and requiring employers to disclose hiring timelines or remove filled postings, while Texas has opened its own investigation into a major job board. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 4 Sep. 2026

The system should be programmed to actively penalize source monopolies, forcing the engine to scrape a healthy mix of technical journalism, independent community forums (like Reddit threads), and video transcripts. — New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026

Barrington Public Schools told families that schools will remain open, but the district will not penalize students for being late or absent due to transportation challenges. — Antonia Noori Farzan, The Providence Journal, 4 Sep. 2026