as in punitive
inflicting, involving, or serving as punishment
disciplining actions taken in response to the rowdiness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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 disciplining
Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Oct. 2025
The amendment also makes several changes to the commission’s process for disciplining judges.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Oct. 2025
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
Verb
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
The amendment also makes several changes to the commission’s process for disciplining judges.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Oct. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disciplining
Adjective
-
Under federal law, Hatton said, civil detainees — including undocumented immigrants — must be held under conditions that are not punitive.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Walsh and his leadership team insist their version is voluntary, not punitive.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Zoning is not meant to be some sort of punishing thing meant to make a city miserable.—
Kim Velsey,
Curbed,
5 Nov. 2025
-
To stop the spiral of impunity, political leaders must recommit to their obligations under international law by investigating, prosecuting and punishing crimes against journalists—even when the pursuit of justice means holding political allies and powerful elites to account.—
Scott Griffen,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The correctional center, located on a military base about 40 miles outside Philadelphia, became Combs' home after his attorneys complained about the conditions at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Then, correctional officers and medical staff arrived.—
Kristine Phillips,
IndyStar,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Disciplining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disciplining. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share