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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
Both environments are covered in darkness, isolated from the rest of humanity and demand resilience, discipline and trust in one's team. Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2025 Tensions grew as officers wondered whether more discipline was needed. Michael Collins, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
In releasing the results of the investigation, Boren announced that two students had been expelled and 25 others would be disciplined. Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2025 One agent was disciplined for insubordination after refusing to go along with the plan to embarrass Comey in this way. The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for discipline
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discipline
Noun
  • Her department looks after 20 host families.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Most people may be able to access flu vaccines at their local pharmacy, doctors office or even through certain public health departments.
    Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • However, the league seemingly deemed his actions not punishment-worthy, saving Mahomes from an $11,593 first-offense taunting penalty.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Where Gentle Parenting Might Be Lacking Gentle parenting emphasizes empathy and respectful communication without harsh punishment, explains Cynthia Vejar, PhD, LPC, program director and associate professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lebanon Valley College.
    Sherri Gordon, Parents, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The ship brings history and perhaps some English restraint to the world’s cruise capital.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2025
  • D’Angelo understood the ways in which restraint can be infinitely more haunting—and more alluring—than aggression.
    Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Baird believes that shares of Zions Bancorp have been unduly punished.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The superpowers imposed punishing tariffs on one another earlier this year, only to lower them, and had for months been discussing a trade deal.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Steer clear of puddles - Driving into puddles or low areas of rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Here’s the Week 8 schedule for Fort Worth-area high school football teams.
    Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The unexpected move left contestants relieved but on edge, knowing that one misstep next week could cost them a double penalty.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025
  • The Red Raiders were given two 15-yard penalties for fan behavior.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Made as Brazil’s dictatorship was losing its grip, these films confronted repression indirectly, turning sensuality into an act of defiance.
    Lise Pedersen, Variety, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Political scientist Ronald Krebs notes that domestic rights advocates rarely gain lasting momentum from the award, and may even face intensified repression.
    Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The structure is covered with flat planes of shades of white and gray, while the occasional architectural elements painted in a primary color stand out noticeably.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 15 Oct. 2025
  • And Kate Middleton’s outfit during a surprise visit to Northern Ireland includes all of those elements and more.
    Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 15 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Discipline.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discipline. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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