1
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of chastise
Trump has repeatedly chastised the media for not adequately reporting on his efforts to lower prescription drug prices.
—
Mabinty Quarshie,
The Washington Examiner,
30 May 2026
Some have been more vocal than others, publicly chastising him for his opacity ahead of what is expected to be a competitive general election race.
—
Connor Greene,
Time,
29 May 2026
And Jones — respectfully — chastised him.
—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
28 May 2026
The 15-year veteran, who joined the Sparks in free agency, chastised her teammates for relaxing after every mistake instead of continuing to play.
—
Annie Costabile,
New York Times,
26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for chastise
Mabinty Quarshie,
The Washington Examiner,
30 May 2026
Some have been more vocal than others, publicly chastising him for his opacity ahead of what is expected to be a competitive general election race.
—
Connor Greene,
Time,
29 May 2026
And Jones — respectfully — chastised him.
—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
28 May 2026
The 15-year veteran, who joined the Sparks in free agency, chastised her teammates for relaxing after every mistake instead of continuing to play.
—
Annie Costabile,
New York Times,
26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for chastise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chastise
Verb
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Someone else scolds the offender.
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This time, however, Charlotte promptly scolded him for his untoward behavior.
Verb
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Catholic leaders in Florida argue that there are better ways to protect the public from violent crimes and in Spencer’s case, the availability of life without parole is a moral way to punish Spencer without taking his life.
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And now she's been punished for it.
Verb
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One notable instance came in season 1 of America's Sweethearts, when Powell was reprimanded for asking where her ornament was on the locker room Christmas tree, as opposed to expressing gratitude for the decorations.
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Later on during the trial, the judge reprimanded Pino and his supporters for hugging and physical embracing him while court was in session and the jury was present.
Verb
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Cooper Freeman, Alaska director at the nonprofit Center for Biological Diversity, sharply criticized the circumstances surrounding the whale’s death.
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Plenty of those who populate that category are championed instead of criticized.
Verb
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All while performatively lecturing and demanding everyone agree with his viewpoints.
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If and until that day comes, there will be fingerpointing, lecturing and posturing, all of which has flowed freely in the wake of the Sorsby decision.
Cite this Entry
“Chastise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chastise. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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