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discipline

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verb

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

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 discipline
Noun
General manager Monti Ossenfort has been lauded by his peers for overseeing the Cardinals' rebuild with patience and discipline. Jeff Howe, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025 Within hours of the vote, progressives were calling for his resignation, accusing him of presiding over a collapse in party discipline and of failing to channel the energy that fueled Democrats’ sweeping victories in last week’s elections. Nik Popli, Time, 10 Nov. 2025
Verb
However, companies that rush to discipline employees in such cases risk missing the bigger issue. Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025 Complicating matters, the 30-year-old MLS newcomer was held out of the past two games, Varas disciplining him for a tantrum after the coach benched him at halftime three weeks ago in Houston. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for discipline
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discipline
Noun
  • On Friday, two federal judges ordered SNAP benefits to be paid from the department's contingency fund, but confusion continued over the issue Tuesday.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Ausberry said at a press conference last week that LSU and its athletic department are not broken.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • As for what the punishment was for Rhoades, the school would not comment any further regarding the incident.
    Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The passage of Proposition 36, a tougher-on-crime law that placed stricter punishments on repeat drug and theft offenders, has given both agencies more opportunities to try to help those in custody suffering from drug addiction.
    Nathaniel Percy, Oc Register, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The civil suit alleged the restraint lasted eight minutes.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Per state guidelines and Ohio Administrative Code, physical restraint must be used as a last resort and only when there is an immediate risk of physical harm to the student or others.
    Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • More than a month after one of its professors was arrested on charges of violent felonies at an anti-ICE rally, an elite private university has refused to say whether the academic has been punished.
    Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The National Lunch Company terminated her employment — which was a common practice used by the white power structure in the South to punish civil rights activists.
    Time, Time, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Avoid puddles - Driving into puddles or low rainwater areas can lead to vehicles hydroplaning or losing control.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Teams that may have some postseason games to play are certainly showing themselves as playoff scenarios take shape in KC-area and regional college football.
    The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 9 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The team also committed three penalties in the third period, and Sullivan said the coaching staff would have preferred it to have been less eventful.
    Peter Baugh, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025
  • However, an additional sanction could subject her to probation, suspension, termination or a host of possible penalties related to promotions, tenure or salary, according to IU code.
    Cate Charron, IndyStar, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • These syndicates are part of the same criminal economy that funds military airstrikes and repression.
    Kim Aris, Time, 7 Nov. 2025
  • There are other signs that Iran’s previously relentless social repression is beginning to relax.
    Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The neutral tones and organic elements of the hotel’s 349 rooms and suites soothe the spirit and mirror the otherworldly atmosphere of the Riviera Maya.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Depending on which elements are involved, airglow can appear in subtle shades of green, red or orange.
    Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 5 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Discipline.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discipline. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.

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