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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 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 Since a chastening defeat to Coco Gauff in Toronto in 2022, Sabalenka has completely remade her serve, eliminating the sprees of double faults that used to pepper her matches. Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chasten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chasten
Verb
  • Road America punishes hesitation and rewards nerve, making every session breathtaking.
    Jenny Catlin, New York Times, 20 June 2025
  • This week, Israel acted—not to punish Iran, but to stop the machinery of destruction that threatens the region and the world.
    Dan Perry, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Ukrainians said they were subjected to beatings, electric shocks and dog attacks by Russian authorities, not only to extract information but to intimidate and humiliate them.
    Richard Engel, NBC news, 11 June 2025
  • Musk, who also owns SpaceX, had backed Isaacman, and felt betrayed and humiliated when Trump changed his mind, according to the report.
    Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • Terrible policy Perhaps Gabbard is sounding the alarm to discredit efforts — including a sanctions bill held up in Congress pending a green light from Trump — to pressure Putin into a meaningful negotiation on ending his war.
    Marc Champion, Mercury News, 13 June 2025
  • The irony is that the FTC is blind to the meaning of such substantial investment from Amazon, the very investment that thoroughly discredits the FTC’s case.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
Verb
  • The following program will contain graphic stupidity, as four friends compete to embarrass one another – only this time in Lithuania.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 9 June 2025
  • The intensity of the Russian attacks on Ukraine over the past weeks has further dampened hopes that the warring sides could reach a peace deal anytime soon — especially after Kyiv recently embarrassed the Kremlin with a surprising drone attack on military airfields deep inside Russia.
    SAMYA KULLAB, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Chasten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chasten. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.

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