Synonyms of penalize

penalize

verb

ˈpē-nə-ˌlīz 

as in to punish

to inflict a penalty on for a fault or crime

the player was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of penalize

Lively demanded a sweeping financial judgment that includes attorneys’ fees, triple damages for alleged harm and punitive damages aimed at penalizing what her attorneys described as an abuse of the legal system. —Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026

For example, in the case of a news organization or advertiser causing offense, should professions avoid doing this in the first place, or should regulators step in to prevent or penalize it? —Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 May 2026

Firms that fail to integrate AI risk being penalized at exit. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 4 May 2026

And the Hornets were penalized with the loss of a second-round pick that was sent to the Heat, with teams spending in the millions to purchase such picks during drafts. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 3 May 2026