Synonym Chooser

How is the word chastise distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of chastise are castigate, chasten, correct, discipline, and punish. While all these words mean "to inflict a penalty on in requital for wrongdoing," 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 castigate be used to replace chastise?

In some situations, the words castigate and chastise are roughly equivalent. However, castigate usually implies a severe, typically public censure.

an editorial castigating the entire city council

When can chasten be used instead of chastise?

While the synonyms chasten and chastise are close in meaning, chasten suggests any affliction or trial that leaves one humbled or subdued.

chastened by a landslide election defeat

When might correct be a better fit than chastise?

While in some cases nearly identical to chastise, correct implies punishing aimed at reforming an offender.

the function of prison is to correct the wrongdoer

When is discipline a more appropriate choice than chastise?

Although the words discipline and chastise have much in common, 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 chastise?

The words punish and chastise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 chastise Media critics in the US have similarly chastised American companies like Disney for caving to Trump’s desires, most pointedly through legal settlements. Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025 Miller often called well into the evening, Dudek said, to chastise him about anything the press had reported that day that had caught the administration off guard. Eli Hager, ProPublica, 8 Sep. 2025 Kelley is chastised and eventually replaced by Gustave Gilbert (Colin Hanks), a rival psychologist with a different take, one that opposes Kelley’s more humanistic approach in defining the horrors of that time. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 7 Sep. 2025 As Dexter questions why Batista’s death hurts so much, Brian chastises his brother for listening to Harry too much. Nick Caruso, TVLine, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chastise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chastise
Verb
  • George Clooney is looking back at one of the more surreal moments from his early Hollywood days — getting personally scolded by the legendary Frank Sinatra.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 26 Oct. 2025
  • That is the adage used to scold someone whose gaze is fixed on a particular subject a little too long.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The tales explore how the people/rats/cats who inhabit the house are driven by selfish desires — and how they are subsequently rewarded or punished by a twist of fate.
    Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The crude oil imports flow through the Druzhba pipeline, which has been repeatedly attacked this summer by Ukrainian drones, in an effort by Kyiv to punish its neighbors for helping to fund Moscow’s war.
    Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Parents’ ongoing protest of teacher removal Rupert has received an outpouring of support since she was reprimanded and transferred to Isador Cohen Elementary for pulling up old carpet in her classroom.
    Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2025
  • When conversation veers into controversial territory, Gott suggests redirecting rather than reprimanding.
    Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In recent months, conservative commentator Ben Shapiro has repeatedly criticized Tucker Carlson.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Trump announced plans to impose an additional 10% tariff on Canada on Saturday over a TV ad featuring footage of former President Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But Andres Bernal, a political analyst who lectures at the City University of New York, thinks many young voters look at Cuomo's history of controversy and are reminded of the Democratic Party establishment that has left them disillusioned.
    Brian Mann, NPR, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Before the Orange Bowl in January, Penn State head coach James Franklin used his dual pregame press conference with Marcus Freeman to lecture the college football world on his belief that Notre Dame should join a conference.
    Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Chastise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chastise. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on chastise

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!