1
as in to scold
to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings
castigated him for his constant tardiness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to attack
to criticize harshly and usually publicly
a newspaper editorial castigating the city council for approving the project in the first place
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to punish
to inflict a penalty on for a fault or crime
a judge who believes in castigating criminals to the full extent of the law
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of castigate
His memorable scene from the pic saw Jerjerrof being castigated by Darth Vader for the slow construction of the second Death Star.
—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
11 May 2026
At the previous Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on March 9, Steve Juliusson offered up T-shirts castigating the Winnetka Park District.
—
Shun Graves,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
Just days before the child’s death, Supervisor Arenas had castigated agency officials for concealing a November status report from the state that listed unresolved concerns.
—
Julia Prodis Sulek,
Mercury News,
16 Apr. 2026
Trump returned to power in 2024 by promising affordability, castigating the Biden Administration over inflation, and appealing to what his aides described as nostalgia for the pre-pandemic economy.
—
Eric Cortellessa,
Time,
2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for castigate
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
11 May 2026
At the previous Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on March 9, Steve Juliusson offered up T-shirts castigating the Winnetka Park District.
—
Shun Graves,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
Just days before the child’s death, Supervisor Arenas had castigated agency officials for concealing a November status report from the state that listed unresolved concerns.
—
Julia Prodis Sulek,
Mercury News,
16 Apr. 2026
Trump returned to power in 2024 by promising affordability, castigating the Biden Administration over inflation, and appealing to what his aides described as nostalgia for the pre-pandemic economy.
—
Eric Cortellessa,
Time,
2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for castigate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for castigate
Verb
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This ancient poem isn’t interested in scolding women for their sexuality, but in the establishment of honor in the elite household.
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Davis remembered once being scolded as a teenager by her mother after being caught speaking poorly of a classmate.
Verb
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He is accused of attacking a 27-year-old man with a beer mug inside the Hula Bar on Saturday night.
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Liv Morgan controversially interrupted Iyo Sky's coronation, attacking her and forcing a tap-out.
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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The program posed a massive political problem for Mamdani, who’s been criticized by both his allies and opponents for his stance.
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While state studies have criticized the state’s education governance model, voters have rejected at least four attempts dating back to 1928 to reform the position.
Verb
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As officers came close, the tow truck slammed on its brakes, causing the squad car to collide with the rear of the truck, the source said.
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The fatal hit-and-run occurred less than two hours after a 13-year-old boy was killed riding on the back of a moped in Queens after his friend slammed into an open car door and then careened into a moving truck.
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.
Verb
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Screenshots shared with The Charlotte Observer by Moore show Bogan has repeatedly messaged Reform Stables’ business associates or fellow event organizers with allegations about the stable and Moore, and insulted him online.
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Sigcho-Lopez then turned around to face aldermen sitting in the back row who appeared to be insulting him during the exchange.
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.
Cite this Entry
“Castigate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/castigate. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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