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Synonym Chooser

How is the word chasten distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of chasten are castigate, chastise, correct, discipline, and punish. While all these words mean "to inflict a penalty on in requital for wrongdoing," chasten suggests any affliction or trial that leaves one humbled or subdued.

chastened by a landslide election defeat

When would castigate be a good substitute for chasten?

The synonyms castigate and chasten are sometimes interchangeable, but castigate usually implies a severe, typically public censure.

an editorial castigating the entire city council

When is chastise a more appropriate choice than chasten?

The meanings of chastise and chasten largely overlap; however, chastise may apply to either the infliction of corporal punishment or to verbal censure or denunciation.

chastised his son for neglecting his studies

When could correct be used to replace chasten?

The words correct and chasten can be used in similar contexts, but correct implies punishing aimed at reforming an offender.

the function of prison is to correct the wrongdoer

When might discipline be a better fit than chasten?

The words discipline and chasten are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, discipline implies a punishing or chastening in order to bring under control.

parents must discipline their children

In what contexts can punish take the place of chasten?

Although the words punish and chasten have much in common, 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 chasten Years later, after his own chastening experience with the national team, Robson recommended Steve McClaren do the same. George Caulkin, New York Times, 7 July 2025 But Lippmann’s studies of psychology had chastened him. Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 29 Apr. 2025 Two months later, his side suffered a 5-2 defeat to Crystal Palace, followed by a chastening 5-0 loss away to Chelsea in May. Roshane Thomas, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025 Market shakeouts are about testing risk tolerances, forcing a rethink of unexamined premises and, at times, chastening the arrogant. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chasten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chasten
Verb
  • All three have been either punished for domestic PSR breaches or remain subject to charges.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • To me, more pragmatism means moving away from the corrupt, capricious policies of the current administration, such as crony capitalism that imposes bogus tariffs on free trade, punishing leaders and countries the president dislikes while favoring those who flatter him.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Inter Miami, clearly humiliated, let out its frustrations after the final whistle, when several Miami players, led by Luis Suarez, got into a scuffle with Seattle players.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 1 Sep. 2025
  • These violations, perpetrated primarily against Ukrainian prisoners of war, include genital violence such as electrocution, beatings and burns to the genitals, and forced stripping and prolonged nudity, used to humiliate and elicit confessions or information.
    Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • About two hours later, the US Air Force dropped military flares in the sky, with rumors stating this was an attempt to cover up and discredit the UFO incident that occurred earlier in the evening.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Eventually, however, Lowell’s ideas were discredited—Schiaparelli, once an ally, renounced them—and the world moved on.
    Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • If that wasn’t embarrassing enough, then came an ugly post-game brawl that has gone viral on social media all over the world.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Ultimately, the Eagles embarrassed the Chiefs, shutting them out 24-0 in the first half, and captured a 40-22 win.
    Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Chasten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chasten. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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