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 next

as in to scold

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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Recent Examples of castigate Related Content Writing Prompts Hug More in The Learning Network Word of the Day: castigate What’s Going On in This Picture? —

The Learning Network, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025 For 15 months, the terrorists watched as Israel, a democratic nation subjected to atrocities by a brutal terror organization, was castigated in international courts and demonized in the court of public opinion. —

Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 The letter similarly castigates other grantmakers chosen by the EPA, but the CJA has faced more heat as protests in the US against the war in Gaza gained momentum. —

Justine Calma, The Verge, 4 Jan. 2025 The gunman who shot and injured a New York Police Department (NYPD) officer was castigated by a judge and given a multi-decade prison sentence on Monday. —

Andrea Margolis, Fox News, 2 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for castigate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for castigate

Verb

At one point, an appalled Robinson came outside to scold her daughter.

— Rachel DeSantis, People.com, 13 Feb. 2025
On the other side of the FaceTime call is none other than Set It Off star Vivica Fox, who scolds Glo for sleeping in.

— Michael Saponara, Billboard, 4 Feb. 2025