Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

punish

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of punish

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 of punish

castigate, chasten, chastise, correct, discipline, penalize
Words Related to punish

assess, charge, dock, fine, impose, levy, mulct

convict, sentence

condemn, damn, denounce

criticize, keelhaul, rebuke, reprimand, reprove

wreak
Near Antonyms of punish

forfeit

get off, ransom, release

commute, reprieve

absolve, acquit, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate
Antonyms of punish

excuse, pardon, spare

Synonym Discussion of punish

punish, chastise, castigate, chasten, discipline, correct mean to inflict a penalty on in requital for wrongdoing. punish implies subjecting to a penalty for wrongdoing.
    • punished for stealing
chastise may apply to either the infliction of corporal punishment or to verbal censure or denunciation.
    • chastised his son for neglecting his studies
castigate usually implies a severe, typically public censure.
    • an editorial castigating the entire city council
chasten suggests any affliction or trial that leaves one humbled or subdued.
    • chastened by a landslide election defeat
discipline implies a punishing or chastening in order to bring under control.
    • parents must discipline their children
correct implies punishing aimed at reforming an offender.
    • the function of prison is to correct the wrongdoer

Learn More about punish

  1. See words that rhyme with punish Dictionary: Definition of punish Spanish Central: Translation of punish Nglish: Translation of punish for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of punish for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up punish? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games