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

But the question of whether the federal government can withhold grants to punish sanctuary jurisdictions was left unanswered by the Supreme Court after President Biden took office and previous lawsuits were dismissed. —Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025

But opposing hitters aren’t punishing Garrett, who has strengthened his repertoire on the mound, according to Kouts junior catcher Cooper Whitaker. —Dave Melton, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2025

In fact, Trump views the Justice Department as a tool to uplift his political agenda, undoing the dedicated work of dozens of federal agents and prosecutors with his blanket pardon of the Jan. 6 insurrectionists and punishing or firing personnel that had engaged in disfavored inquiries. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 11 May 2025

The Warriors don’t have enough isolation players who can punish Houston’s aggression. —Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 3 May 2025