Synonyms of chasten

chasten

verb

ˈchā-sᵊn 

1

as in to punish

to inflict a penalty on for a fault or crime

chastened the child with five minutes of sitting in the corner

Synonyms & Similar Words

• punish
• chastise
• penalize
• discipline
• correct
• fine
• criticize
• sentence
• castigate
• convict
• assess
• impose
• condemn
• levy
• mulct
• rebuke
• reprove
• dock
• denounce
• reprimand
• charge
• wreak
• damn
• keelhaul

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• spare
• excuse
• pardon
• forfeit
• get off
• release
• ransom
• vindicate
• commute
• acquit
• absolve
• exonerate
• exculpate
• reprieve

2

as in to humiliate

to reduce to a lower standing in one's own eyes or in others' eyes

the unexpected loss to a second-rate player really chastened the tournament's top-seeded tennis star

Synonyms & Similar Words

• humiliate
• discredit
• embarrass
• humble
• shame
• confuse
• dishonor
• degrade
• disgrace
• demean
• debase
• abase
• insult
• rattle
• criticize
• take down
• mortify
• cheapen
• diminish
• smirch
• disconcert
• foul
• minimize
• lower
• ridicule
• sink
• disparage
• confound
• discomfit
• belittle
• castigate
• discountenance
• detract
• condemn
• faze
• fluster
• abash
• decry
• malign
• depreciate
• libel
• defame
• slander
• write off
• affront
• discount
• nonplus
• defile
• denounce
• censure
• put down
• reprehend
• cry down
• bad-mouth
• execrate
• reprobate
• damn

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• exalt
• deify
• commend
• aggrandize
• recognize
• elevate
• honor
• cite
• cheer
• acknowledge
• praise
• applaud
• celebrate
• congratulate
• canonize
• salute
• boast
• decorate
• extol
• laud
• compliment
• eulogize
• hail
• tout
• acclaim
• fete
• highlight
• ennoble
• magnify
• glorify
• enthrone
• play up
• promote
• dignify
• lift
• raise
• advance
• enshrine
• spotlight
• uplift
• boost
• upgrade
• idealize
• romanticize
• ensky

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

Recent Examples of chasten

Another reason this defeat felt so chastening for United was that eight of Hull’s starting line-up had come up from the Championship, a year on from surviving relegation on goal difference. — Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

The discipline and economy of Rosenwald’s philanthropy also provide a chastening contrast to our current hidebound efforts to help people. — Harold Pollack, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026

The loss chastens him just enough to take the edge off his insubordinate recklessness. — ArsTechnica, 21 May 2026

Perhaps my sisters would say that my sojourn in Kansas and Missouri, and then all the way to Massachusetts to visit my dead husband’s family, chastened me. — Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!