as in punitive
inflicting, involving, or serving as punishment
disciplining actions taken in response to the rowdiness
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in punishing
to inflict a penalty on for a fault or crime
the pranksters were severely disciplined for their irresponsible stunt
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of disciplining
Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
Bad Apples seems like another entry into that canon, until Maria (Saoirse Ronan), a primary-school instructor reeling after a painful breakup, goes too far while disciplining a particularly disruptive pupil.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2025
This five-step sequence is less about distrusting AI than about disciplining ourselves.
—Ted Ladd, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Hayse alleges that the city of Melvindale fired him for disciplining Furman for using excessive force on two occasions and for engaging in aggressive towing tactics that targeted poor people.
—Tresa Baldas, Freep.com, 8 Aug. 2025
The Supreme Court makes ultimate decisions about disciplining judges.
—News Service Of Florida, Sun Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2025
Columbia’s decision to comply with federal demands, including disciplining students and restructuring governance, was framed by the university as a pragmatic step to preserve critical research funding and avoid operational crises[2][3].
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2025
For decades, Washington lectured Beijing about avoiding protectionism, eliminating barriers to foreign investment, and disciplining the use of subsidies and industrial policy—with only modest success.
—Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 25 Mar. 2025
Too often, the universities initiate investigations without seriously disciplining anyone and, because of delays in the process, the perpetrators end up graduating from college before the investigations are completed.
—David W. Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
While several universities have faced public backlash for disciplining students or faculty over commentary surrounding Charlie Kirk’s assassination, other schools have quietly taken steps to reaffirm free speech.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
Bad Apples seems like another entry into that canon, until Maria (Saoirse Ronan), a primary-school instructor reeling after a painful breakup, goes too far while disciplining a particularly disruptive pupil.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2025
This five-step sequence is less about distrusting AI than about disciplining ourselves.
—Ted Ladd, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Hayse alleges that the city of Melvindale fired him for disciplining Furman for using excessive force on two occasions and for engaging in aggressive towing tactics that targeted poor people.
—Tresa Baldas, Freep.com, 8 Aug. 2025
The Supreme Court makes ultimate decisions about disciplining judges.
—News Service Of Florida, Sun Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2025
Columbia’s decision to comply with federal demands, including disciplining students and restructuring governance, was framed by the university as a pragmatic step to preserve critical research funding and avoid operational crises[2][3].
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2025
For decades, Washington lectured Beijing about avoiding protectionism, eliminating barriers to foreign investment, and disciplining the use of subsidies and industrial policy—with only modest success.
—Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 25 Mar. 2025
Too often, the universities initiate investigations without seriously disciplining anyone and, because of delays in the process, the perpetrators end up graduating from college before the investigations are completed.
—David W. Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disciplining
Adjective
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To the extent permitted by applicable law, all judgments or awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket damages (excluding attorneys’ fees) associated with participation in this Promotion and shall not include any indirect, punitive, incidental and/or consequential damages.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
13 Oct. 2025
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But opponents, mostly representing wealthier communities, said the bill contained punitive requirements from the state.—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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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
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Why exactly is the deal so punishing?—
Mara Weinraub,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Attica by the numbers At the time of the uprising, the rural prison had an all-white correctional staff tending to 2,234 inmates, with Black prisoners making up more than half the prison population.—
Michael Collins,
USA Today,
14 Oct. 2025
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Salvation Army is known for its willingness to help nearly anyone, with its adult recovery programs often taking people from the streets or the correctional system.—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
9 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Disciplining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disciplining. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
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