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

Cunningham, who rushed at her in response and wound up to strike Carrington before being restrained by her teammates, was not penalized. — Kase Wickman, Vanity Fair, 12 Aug. 2026

Choosing a lender that wouldn't penalize me for additional principal payments gave me that flexibility. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026

Economists studying the post-recession years have found this asymmetry systematically rewarded people who already owned capital before the crash and penalized everyone who didn’t yet have any. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026

Any talk of changing the rules, salary cap or otherwise, to put reins on this kind of success would propagate underperformance and penalize this fascinating culture of constant improvement. — Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026