Synonyms of punish

punish

verb

ˈpə-nish 

as in to penalize

to inflict a penalty on for a fault or crime

the child was punished for breaking dishes on purpose

if caught, the thief will be severely punished

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How is the word punish distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of punish are castigate, chasten, chastise, correct, and discipline. While all these words mean "to inflict a penalty on in requital for wrongdoing," punish implies subjecting to a penalty for wrongdoing.

punished for stealing

When is castigate a more appropriate choice than punish?

Although the words castigate and punish have much in common, castigate usually implies a severe, typically public censure.

an editorial castigating the entire city council

When might chasten be a better fit than punish?

The meanings of chasten and punish largely overlap; however, chasten suggests any affliction or trial that leaves one humbled or subdued.

chastened by a landslide election defeat

In what contexts can chastise take the place of punish?

In some situations, the words chastise and punish are roughly equivalent. However, chastise may apply to either the infliction of corporal punishment or to verbal censure or denunciation.

chastised his son for neglecting his studies

When can correct be used instead of punish?

The words correct and punish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, correct implies punishing aimed at reforming an offender.

the function of prison is to correct the wrongdoer

When would discipline be a good substitute for punish?

The words discipline and punish can be used in similar contexts, but discipline implies a punishing or chastening in order to bring under control.

parents must discipline their children

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of punish

Think of the flood sent to punish humankind that Noah avoids by building the ark, for example. — Casper Ter Kuile, Vox, 21 Oct. 2026

Settler violence has surged in recent years, and rights groups say that attackers are rarely arrested or punished for attacks on Palestinians. — Koral Saeed, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026

Rights groups have said few settlers are ever punished for the attacks that have surged in recent years. — Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026

In addition to punishing women who seek the priesthood, the Catholic Church has also sanctioned male clergy who support those ordinations. — Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026