Synonyms of discipline

discipline 1 of 2

noun

ˈdi-sə-plən 

1

as in department

a region of activity, knowledge, or influence

you must choose a discipline to focus on in college

Synonyms & Similar Words

• department
• area
• element
• realm
• field
• domain
• walk
• sphere
• kingdom
• specialty
• province
• terrain
• territory
• business
• circle
• arena
• front
• game
• bailiwick
• study
• subject
• precinct
• line
• firmament
• profession
• fiefdom
• confine
• fief
• demesne
• pursuit
• barony
• scope
• frontier
• vocation
• occupation
• turf
• extent
• breadth
• subfield
• sweep
• subspecialty
• amplitude
• width
• racket
• reach
• compass
• ambit
• dimension(s)
• ken

2

as in punishment

suffering, loss, or hardship imposed in response to a crime or offense

harsh discipline was imposed to keep order within the ranks

Synonyms & Similar Words

• punishment
• penalty
• wrath
• correction
• chastisement
• castigation
• sentence
• comeuppance
• nemesis
• desert(s)
• retribution
• condemnation
• reprimand
• retaliation
• assessment
• fine
• revenge
• vengeance
• example
• criticism
• reprisal
• confinement
• censure
• imprisonment
• charge
• rebuke
• incarceration
• reproof
• damnation
• denouncement
• mulct

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• indemnity
• parole
• vindication
• pardon
• amnesty
• exemption
• immunity
• acquittal
• exoneration
• impunity
• release
• exculpation
• forgiveness
• commutation
• disregard
• remission
• reprieve
• absolution
• condonation
• remitment
• overlooking

3

as in restraint

the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others

she lacks the discipline that's essential for a job in customer relations

Synonyms & Similar Words

• restraint
• repression
• inhibition
• suppression
• composure
• self-control
• constraint
• discretion
• self-restraint
• reserve
• continence
• self-command
• refrainment
• self-discipline
• possession
• mastery
• control
• willpower
• will
• silence
• distance
• command
• self-mastery
• modesty
• self-denial
• self-government
• reticence
• aloofness
• self-censorship
• self-containment
• bashfulness
• shyness
• taciturnity
• self-possession
• self-poise
• detachedness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incontinence
• disinhibition
• gratification
• indulgence
• unconstraint
• frankness
• candor
• overindulgence
• bluntness
• uninhibitedness
• intemperance
• self-abandonment
• unrestrainedness
• self-indulgence
• immoderacy

discipline

2 of 2

verb

as in to punish

to inflict a penalty on for a fault or crime

the pranksters were severely disciplined for their irresponsible stunt

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How is the word discipline distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of discipline are castigate, chasten, chastise, correct, and punish. While all these words mean "to inflict a penalty on in requital for wrongdoing," discipline implies a punishing or chastening in order to bring under control.

parents must discipline their children

When is castigate a more appropriate choice than discipline?

The meanings of castigate and discipline largely overlap; however, castigate usually implies a severe, typically public censure.

an editorial castigating the entire city council

When would chasten be a good substitute for discipline?

The synonyms chasten and discipline are sometimes interchangeable, but chasten suggests any affliction or trial that leaves one humbled or subdued.

chastened by a landslide election defeat

When can chastise be used instead of discipline?

While the synonyms chastise and discipline are close in meaning, chastise may apply to either the infliction of corporal punishment or to verbal censure or denunciation.

chastised his son for neglecting his studies

When might correct be a better fit than discipline?

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

the function of prison is to correct the wrongdoer

When is it sensible to use punish instead of discipline?

The words punish and discipline can be used in similar contexts, but punish implies subjecting to a penalty for wrongdoing.

punished for stealing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of discipline

Noun

The Asian Games, first held in 1951 in New Delhi, India, includes 45 countries and regions and 43 sports — many Olympic disciplines and a few regional specialties. — ABC News, 15 Sep. 2026

But that’s where the intentionality and the discipline come from. — Elise Devlin, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Verb

Shurin said the union provided testimony that showed Fire Department employees who were involved in serious motor vehicle accidents had not been disciplined. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2026

Unfortunately, things do not somehow work out at the end without exercising strong will and discipline. — Eric Khant, Sun Sentinel, 8 Sep. 2026