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Synonym Chooser

How is the word castigate distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of castigate are chasten, chastise, correct, discipline, and punish. While all these words mean "to inflict a penalty on in requital for wrongdoing," castigate usually implies a severe, typically public censure.

an editorial castigating the entire city council

When is chasten a more appropriate choice than castigate?

The words chasten and castigate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, chasten suggests any affliction or trial that leaves one humbled or subdued.

chastened by a landslide election defeat

When is it sensible to use chastise instead of castigate?

While in some cases nearly identical to castigate, chastise may apply to either the infliction of corporal punishment or to verbal censure or denunciation.

chastised his son for neglecting his studies

In what contexts can correct take the place of castigate?

The meanings of correct and castigate largely overlap; however, correct implies punishing aimed at reforming an offender.

the function of prison is to correct the wrongdoer

Where would discipline be a reasonable alternative to castigate?

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

parents must discipline their children

When might punish be a better fit than castigate?

The synonyms punish and castigate are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 castigate Republicans who had invoked the governor’s words later castigated him for not supporting their bills. Laurel Rosenhall, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025 In recent days, the hits have come from all sides, with her 2022 challenger, billionaire mall mogul Rick Caruso, castigating Bass in the media for her absence and handling of the fire. Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025 For 15 months, the terrorists watched as Israel, a democratic nation subjected to atrocities by a brutal terror organization, was castigated in international courts and demonized in the court of public opinion. Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 In recent days, the hits have come from all sides, with her 2022 challenger, billionaire mall mogul Rick Caruso, castigating Bass in the media for her absence and handling of the fire. Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for castigate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for castigate
Verb
  • Five months after beating New York Red Bulls for the club’s sixth MLS Cup title, the Galaxy lost the rematch 7-0 in New York — seven-nil — prompting an impromptu team scolding on the field by Vanney after the final whistle.
    Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025
  • The moment a golden retriever and his feline friend were scolded by their owner for their behavior during her trip has left people in stitches.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • For example, if China can pin down the United States in the Taiwan Strait, Russia and Iran may seize the moment to attack their neighbors.
    Mark Melton, National Review, 23 May 2025
  • There are several leaf spotting diseases that can attack hydrangeas.
    Janet B. Carson, Arkansas Online, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • The national opioid settlements punished pharmaceutical manufacturers and some pharmacies for their role in fueling the opioid epidemic, which began with prescription painkillers and ultimately morphed into fentanyl.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • And will Joe be punished by the jury for voting out his allies?
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • The justices also reprimanded federal authorities for failing to provide the detainees with more due process under the Alien Enemies Act.
    Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 16 May 2025
  • One of the central conflicts begins when the cute five-year-old daughter, I-Jing (Nina Ye), is reprimanded by her otherwise aloof grandfather for being left-handed.
    Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • The decision also sparked fierce debate from religious conservatives who criticized one board member’s staunch opposition to introducing prayer.
    Nora O’Neill, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2025
  • Among those who criticized Levi's comments was Tony award-winning Broadway star Norbert Leo Butz, who slammed the actor for using Creel's death to promote an anti-vax agenda.
    Mekishana Pierre Published, EW.com, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • We’ve often been lectured by people all over the place about how the United States needs to continue to be a beacon for those who are oppressed abroad.
    Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 18 May 2025
  • Geragos, 67, the criminal defense lawyer known for his roster of celebrity clients, was lectured in a Manhattan federal court this week after making statements about the case on a podcast.
    Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • According to Reuters, many locals have blamed the sites for creating an unsustainable rental environment, reducing housing supply and making rent unaffordable for locals.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • The trauma of being constantly blamed, ignored, disrespected, or made to question your own worth is just as life-altering.
    Shayla Brown, Essence, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • The post also slammed Springsteen for speaking out against the president while abroad rather than while on US soil.
    Liam Reilly, CNN Money, 16 May 2025
  • At least seven people are dead in Missouri, including five killed after strong supercell storms that spurred tornado warnings slammed into St. Louis on Friday, tearing roofs off homes and causing several buildings to collapse.
    Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Castigate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/castigate. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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