CHASTEN Synonyms: 137 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of chasten are castigate , chastise , correct , discipline , and punish . While all these words mean "to inflict a penalty on in requital for wrongdoing," chasten suggests any affliction or trial that leaves one humbled or subdued. // chastened by a landslide election defeat

Q: When would 'castigate' be a good substitute for 'chasten'?

The synonyms castigate and chasten are sometimes interchangeable, but castigate usually implies a severe, typically public censure. // an editorial castigating the entire city council

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

The meanings of chastise and chasten largely overlap; however, chastise may apply to either the infliction of corporal punishment or to verbal censure or denunciation. // chastised his son for neglecting his studies

Q: When could 'correct' be used to replace 'chasten'?

The words correct and chasten can be used in similar contexts, but correct implies punishing aimed at reforming an offender. // the function of prison is to correct the wrongdoer

Q: When might 'discipline' be a better fit than 'chasten'?

The words discipline and chasten are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, discipline implies a punishing or chastening in order to bring under control. // parents must discipline their children

Q: In what contexts can 'punish' take the place of 'chasten'?

Although the words punish and chasten have much in common, punish implies subjecting to a penalty for wrongdoing. // punished for stealing

chasten

verb

ˈchā-sᵊn

Definition of chasten next

as in to punish

to inflict a penalty on for a fault or crime chastened the child with five minutes of sitting in the corner

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to humiliate

to reduce to a lower standing in one's own eyes or in others' eyes the unexpected loss to a second-rate player really chastened the tournament's top-seeded tennis star

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word chasten distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of chasten are castigate, chastise, correct, discipline, and punish. While all these words mean "to inflict a penalty on in requital for wrongdoing," chasten suggests any affliction or trial that leaves one humbled or subdued.

chastened by a landslide election defeat

When would castigate be a good substitute for chasten?

The synonyms castigate and chasten are sometimes interchangeable, but castigate usually implies a severe, typically public censure.

an editorial castigating the entire city council

When is chastise a more appropriate choice than chasten?

The meanings of chastise and chasten largely overlap; 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 could correct be used to replace chasten?

The words correct and chasten can be used in similar contexts, but correct implies punishing aimed at reforming an offender.

the function of prison is to correct the wrongdoer

When might discipline be a better fit than chasten?

The words discipline and chasten are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, discipline implies a punishing or chastening in order to bring under control.

parents must discipline their children

In what contexts can punish take the place of chasten?

Although the words punish and chasten have much in common, punish implies subjecting to a penalty for wrongdoing.

punished for stealing

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of chasten Recognition of what Coates is really up to — in The Message and elsewhere — should chasten those who have long treated him as the moral conscience of the West. —

Tal Fortgang, National Review, 29 Dec. 2024 Speaking to me more recently, Reiss recalled a chastening encounter with an old classmate. —

Darryn King, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2024 Los Blancos could have undone some of the damage done by a 0-4 chastening at the hands of bitter rival FC Barcelona with a statement win over Ancelotti's former employers AC Milan in the Champions League. —

Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024 The 29-year-old can occasionally frustrate with his histrionics and cavalier playing style, but last season’s 4-0 defeat away at Crystal Palace was a chastening reminder of what the team can look like without him. —

Carl Anka, The Athletic, 13 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for chasten

Recent Examples of Synonyms for chasten

Verb

Critics say the dates cover Hunter Biden for crimes the public might not know about, and for which now he can never be punished.

Kristine Frazao, Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2025
Even when the businesses moved hemp into storage areas and basements, away from sale, they were still punished for being noncompliant.

Benjamin Adams, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025