Synonyms of penalizing

penalizing 1 of 2

adjective

as in punitive

inflicting, involving, or serving as punishment

forced to listen to a penalizing lecture on the consequences of lying

Synonyms & Similar Words

• punitive
• correcting
• correctional
• penal
• disciplining
• disciplinary
• corrective
• chastising
• castigating
• chastening
• retaliatory
• retributive
• revengeful
• vengeful
• retaliative
• wrathful
• retributory

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• compensatory
• nonpunitive
• vindicating
• exculpatory
• exonerating
• exculpating
• remitting
• condoning
• pardoning
• absolving
• commuting
• acquitting
• reprieving

penalizing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of penalize

as in punishing

to inflict a penalty on for a fault or crime

the player was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct

Synonyms & Similar Words

• punishing
• fining
• disciplining
• criticizing
• correcting
• chastising
• castigating
• imposing
• assessing
• sentencing
• chastening
• convicting
• levying
• condemning
• charging
• denouncing
• docking
• reprimanding
• mulcting
• rebuking
• reproving
• wreaking
• damning
• keelhauling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• excusing
• sparing
• pardoning
• forfeiting
• releasing
• getting off
• commuting
• ransoming
• vindicating
• exonerating
• absolving
• acquitting
• exculpating
• reprieving

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of penalizing

Adjective

Beginning in 2026, the rules surrounding deducting losses become even more penalizing. — Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

Verb

Traditional lenders remain hesitant about self-employment income, often ignoring or penalizing applicants whose taxable net returns don't reflect their actual cash flow, despite gig workers diversifying their risk through multiple income streams. — Efri Argaman, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

For example, the European Union’s Digital Services Act and the United Kingdom’s Online Safety Act establish regulatory frameworks for penalizing platforms that fail to address risks to minors. — Andrew Yockey, The Conversation, 24 July 2026

While the company management teams believe otherwise , the market is penalizing them for spending more. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 23 July 2026

The government keeps bank interest rates low to support corporate borrowers, penalizing depositors. — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 21 July 2026

Cell phones in work zones Senate Bill 366 cracks down on distracted driving by penalizing motorists who use cell phones in construction and school zones. — Matthew Kelly july 1, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026

The sheriff’s office said the incidents in question proved that internal checks strengthened by court orders were working properly, and that the monitor was penalizing the department for following those orders and policies. — Rafael Carranza, ProPublica, 25 June 2026

Missing the green was brutally penalizing, as well. — Justin Ray, New York Times, 17 June 2026

The focus should be on solving the underlying issue, not penalizing the people doing the work. — Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 29 May 2026