discipline 1 of 2

1
2
3

discipline

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word discipline distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of discipline are castigate, chasten, chastise, correct, and punish. While all these words mean "to inflict a penalty on in requital for wrongdoing," discipline implies a punishing or chastening in order to bring under control.

parents must discipline their children

When is castigate a more appropriate choice than discipline?

The meanings of castigate and discipline largely overlap; however, castigate usually implies a severe, typically public censure.

an editorial castigating the entire city council

When would chasten be a good substitute for discipline?

The synonyms chasten and discipline are sometimes interchangeable, but chasten suggests any affliction or trial that leaves one humbled or subdued.

chastened by a landslide election defeat

When can chastise be used instead of discipline?

While the synonyms chastise and discipline are close in meaning, chastise may apply to either the infliction of corporal punishment or to verbal censure or denunciation.

chastised his son for neglecting his studies

When might correct be a better fit than discipline?

While in some cases nearly identical to discipline, correct implies punishing aimed at reforming an offender.

the function of prison is to correct the wrongdoer

When is it sensible to use punish instead of discipline?

The words punish and discipline can be used in similar contexts, 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 discipline
Noun
The group is focusing on keeping other services funded, especially its Education Law Team, which provides legal help to students facing educational challenges like special education needs or discipline issues. Nora O’Neill, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2025 The officers rejected the opportunity to accept a command discipline and opted to go through an administrative trial at 1 Police Plaza in January. Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 28 May 2025
Verb
The Idaho Board of Medicine has reached an agreement with an Idaho pathologist who was also disciplined by the Washington Medical Commission for repeatedly spreading COVID disinformation. Kyle Pfannenstiel, Idaho Statesman, 22 May 2025 In addition, at lower price points, elevated mortgage rates will likely keep buyers disciplined. John Walkup, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for discipline
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discipline
Noun
  • According to 2024-25 CDC data, adults who had taken the vaccine were 33% more likely not to need emergency department or urgent care and 45%–46% effective in preventing hospitalizations among otherwise healthy adults over 65 year old.
    Lizz Schumer, People.com, 31 May 2025
  • Her department has appealed the National Endowment for the Arts’ decision to terminate grants awarded to the city.
    Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 31 May 2025
Noun
  • School personnel also would be prohibited from referring truant students to police to be ticketed as punishment.
    Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 28 May 2025
  • The punishment was far less than the maximum six-month sentence sought by the government but more than the probation that Papadopoulos and his lawyers had asked for.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • After George Floyd was killed in 2020, many police departments across the country banned or restricted the knee-on-neck restraint.
    Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 27 May 2025
  • Rickson stages both plays with elegant restraint, arranging just a few bits of furniture in front of a bare brick wall.
    Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • The United States halted a punishing bombing campaign against the Houthis this month, saying the rebels had pledged to stop attacking ships.
    Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2025
  • The penalty is a mere $200 fine, and members have not been punished for said violations.
    Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • Check out the National Wildlife Federation’s Native Plant Finder to help determine the right plants for your area.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 2 June 2025
  • To build smarter, more agile systems, organizations should begin by conducting a thorough audit of their current resources to identify areas where AI can enhance existing processes.
    David Jones, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • Liverpool played a full part in the second leg and PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was superb during the game as well as in the decisive penalty shootout.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 2 June 2025
  • Soto has been assessed such a penalty in 2019, 2022 and 2023, and narrowly missed getting one in 2024.
    Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • For Black Americans, the history of repression of education runs even deeper.
    Karida L. Brown, Essence, 21 May 2025
  • After 2012, when Putin returned to the presidency, the Kremlin began tightening its grip on Russia’s elites, embracing an archaic militarism, and widening its repression of civil society.
    ANDREI YAKOVLEV, Foreign Affairs, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Staking peonies with peony cages offers the plant support and keeps it upright even through the elements.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 May 2025
  • Welcome to Sliders, a weekly in-season MLB column that focuses on both the timely and timeless elements of baseball.
    Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 30 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Discipline.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discipline. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on discipline

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!