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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of punish The Suns punished the Kings inside in the third period, outrebounding them 14-6 while outscoring them 24-8 on points in the paint. Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2025 The fact that the NBA cleared Rozier at the time does not mean the league is prevented from punishing him later. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 Oct. 2025 This is far from the first time that Russia has been punished like this. Alexander Smith, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2025 Preoccupied, Laz ignores his phone and proceeds with his work, where a ranting and raving Arlo declares that God is going to punish him. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for punish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punish
Verb
  • The Texans were penalized 15 yards for unnecessary roughness, and a few plays later, Seattle went up 14-0 on a 32-yard touchdown strike from Darnold to Cooper Kupp.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The Red Raiders were penalized twice for their fans throwing tortillas on the field during kickoffs.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Regulators have already fined Shein $46 million (40 million euros) for misleading advertising.
    NPR, NPR, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Drivers caught speeding can be ticketed and fined, with the penalty depending on their speed.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado Updated October 28, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In recent months, conservative commentator Ben Shapiro has repeatedly criticized Tucker Carlson.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Trump announced plans to impose an additional 10% tariff on Canada on Saturday over a TV ad featuring footage of former President Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The more Wyeth looked at the reference photo, the more the boy’s gaze chastised him.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Duly chastised, Lee tries a less direct route.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Sylvester Stallone has an unexpected pick for which of his films shouldn't be sentenced to cryo-prison.
    Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025
  • He was sentenced to life in prison without parole that July, per the Detroit Free Press.
    Kelsey Lentz, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Zhao's pardon is the latest in a series Trump has doled out to executives convicted of white collar crimes.
    Gram Slattery, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Merlino had frequent brushes with the law throughout his early life, and in 1989 was convicted of an armored truck heist in which more than $350,000 was stolen, according to the Courier Post.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Big 12 Conference attempted to curb the tradition when athletic directors voted 15-1 to approve a policy to discipline home teams for throwing objects onto the field.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Hackman was not only a collector but an artist himself, and his approach to collecting mirrors the care, aesthetic sensibility, and discipline evident in his own artistic practice.
    Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • His teachers corrected his posture and his hands; the angle of the arms and the way the wrist releases into the top of the drum, or drum head which usually is made from animal skin.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2025
  • This story has been updated to correct the officer's rank.
    Gillian Stawiszynski, Cincinnati Enquirer, 21 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Punish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punish. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on punish

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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