CASTIGATE Synonyms: 137 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'castigate' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of castigate are chasten , chastise , correct , discipline , and punish . While all these words mean "to inflict a penalty on in requital for wrongdoing," castigate usually implies a severe, typically public censure. // an editorial castigating the entire city council

Q: When is 'chasten' a more appropriate choice than 'castigate'?

The words chasten and castigate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, chasten suggests any affliction or trial that leaves one humbled or subdued. // chastened by a landslide election defeat

Q: When is it sensible to use 'chastise' instead of 'castigate'?

While in some cases nearly identical to castigate , chastise may apply to either the infliction of corporal punishment or to verbal censure or denunciation. // chastised his son for neglecting his studies

Q: In what contexts can 'correct' take the place of 'castigate'?

The meanings of correct and castigate largely overlap; however, correct implies punishing aimed at reforming an offender. // the function of prison is to correct the wrongdoer

Q: Where would 'discipline' be a reasonable alternative to 'castigate'?

Although the words discipline and castigate have much in common, discipline implies a punishing or chastening in order to bring under control. // parents must discipline their children

Q: When might 'punish' be a better fit than 'castigate'?

The synonyms punish and castigate are sometimes interchangeable, but punish implies subjecting to a penalty for wrongdoing. // punished for stealing

castigate

verb

ˈka-stə-ˌgāt

Definition of castigate

as in to scold

to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings castigated him for his constant tardiness

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to attack

to criticize harshly and usually publicly a newspaper editorial castigating the city council for approving the project in the first place

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to punish

to inflict a penalty on for a fault or crime a judge who believes in castigating criminals to the full extent of the law

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word castigate distinct from other similar verbs?

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

an editorial castigating the entire city council

When is chasten a more appropriate choice than castigate?

The words chasten and castigate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, chasten suggests any affliction or trial that leaves one humbled or subdued.

chastened by a landslide election defeat

When is it sensible to use chastise instead of castigate?

While in some cases nearly identical to castigate, chastise may apply to either the infliction of corporal punishment or to verbal censure or denunciation.

chastised his son for neglecting his studies

In what contexts can correct take the place of castigate?

The meanings of correct and castigate largely overlap; however, correct implies punishing aimed at reforming an offender.

the function of prison is to correct the wrongdoer

Where would discipline be a reasonable alternative to castigate?

Although the words discipline and castigate have much in common, discipline implies a punishing or chastening in order to bring under control.

parents must discipline their children

When might punish be a better fit than castigate?

The synonyms punish and castigate are sometimes interchangeable, but punish implies subjecting to a penalty for wrongdoing.

punished for stealing

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 castigate So maybe rather than castigating them, other teams would do well to emulate them. —Dan Freedman, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024 Finally, the administration, in response to the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in Israel, which began the war in Gaza, has been castigated both for being too supportive of Israel and not supportive enough. —Matthew Lee, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2025 The city issued evacuation orders minutes after 12 p.m. In the days since the blazes ignited, Bass has been castigated for her early absence by her former mayoral opponent Rick Caruso and others. —Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2025 Between the lines: Trump empowers himself and his entourage by castigating traditional media, which is more fractured and less trusted than ever. —Axios, 9 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for castigate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for castigate

Verb

According to Smith, James, who approached him in the third quarter during a timeout, scolded him for his commentary regarding his son and teammate, Bronny James.

— Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 12 Mar. 2025
Michelle Obama playfully scolded her husband, Barack Obama, on her new podcast with her brother, Craig Robinson.

— Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025