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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 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 Elsewhere, despite the success of USMNT players in the league phase, this week was chastening — Milan, Juventus and Celtic’s eliminations knocked out half a dozen of their stars. Jacob Whitehead, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025 What needs to change if the round of 16 is to bring more than just chastening elimination? Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chasten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chasten
Verb
  • The 22-year-old Shelton was utterly dominant in his first two matches of the tournament, punishing opponents with blistering serves and thunderous ground strokes.
    Jacob Steinberg, Baltimore Sun, 26 July 2025
  • The Boston Federal Reserve is already testing CBDC programs, and the examples of abuse are everywhere: China's social credit system, which punishes citizens for political dissent, and Canada freezing of truckers' bank accounts in 2022 for protesting vaccine mandates.
    Kevin Sabet, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • Over 24 cycles, the show humiliated hundreds of young, naïve women (and, briefly, men) in the name of entertainment.
    Emily Palmer Heller, Vulture, 9 July 2025
  • Soldatov said that along this path was the 2008 war in Georgia, which showed the Russian army would not be humiliated anymore.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • What used to be fringe denialism has evolved into a sophisticated, and increasingly profitable, campaign to discredit science, undermine regulation, and politicize sustainability.
    Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • The Chinese Communist Party has waged a decades-long campaign to discredit the current Dalai Lama and erase his presence from Tibetan life, while tightening restrictions on religious and cultural practices.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • Manager Luis Enrique's side then embarrassed Inter Miami 4-0 in the round of 16 and survived two late red cards vs. Bayern Munich to win that quarterfinal battle 2-0. PSG vs. Real Madrid Injury, Suspension, Lineup News: Both teams will be missing key pieces along their back lines today.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
  • The Nuggets, like the current Rockies, were embarrassing themselves regularly before posting an 11-71 record.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 5 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Chasten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chasten. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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