What is another word for Punish? - 150 Punish Synonyms

Need another word for Punish? Use these synonyms of Punish from our thesaurus to say it differently.

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Synonyms & Similar Words

penalize discipline chastise castigate scold rebuke reprimand admonish censure condemn sentence fine penalize correct reprove chasten scourge whip lash flog thrash beat spank smack slap paddle cane birch punish avenge retaliate revenge payback retribution vengeance reprisal punishment correction discipline penalty

According to Merriam-Webster, "punish" means to impose a penalty or punishment on someone for a fault or offense.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines "punish" as to inflict a penalty or sanction on someone in retribution for a wrong or fault.
The Cambridge Dictionary defines "punish" as to give someone a penalty or punishment for doing something wrong.

The judge decided to punish the criminal with a life sentence for the heinous crime.
The teacher punished the student for talking back in class by giving them detention.
The government punished the company for violating environmental regulations by imposing a heavy fine.
The parent punished their child for misbehaving by taking away their privileges.

reward praise commend approve justify excuse forgive pardon acquit exonerate absolve clear vindicate exculpate mitigate alleviate soften lighten reduce minimize condone tolerate permit allow sanction endorse ratify confirm