DISCIPLINE Synonyms: 181 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

discipline 1 of 2

noun

ˈdi-sə-plən

Definition of discipline

as in department

a region of activity, knowledge, or influence you must choose a discipline to focus on in college

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in punishment

suffering, loss, or hardship imposed in response to a crime or offense harsh discipline was imposed to keep order within the ranks

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in restraint

the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others she lacks the discipline that's essential for a job in customer relations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

discipline

2 of 2

verb

as in to punish

to inflict a penalty on for a fault or crime the pranksters were severely disciplined for their irresponsible stunt

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Xi has said fighting against corruption is essential to the party’s survival, and its ability to stay in power depends on strict discipline and political loyalty. — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026 The warning signs can be easy to miss, because the behavior often looks like discipline. — John Vorwald, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2026

Verb

Some critics said the report failed to answer basic questions, such as how many less-lethal rounds were fired or how many officers were disciplined for misconduct. — Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026 Students who break the rules, such as by getting caught with their phone during school hours, will be disciplined in accordance with each district’s respective codes of conduct. — Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discipline

Recent Examples of Synonyms for discipline

Noun

Anyone in Livingston County who believes they've been exposed is asked to capture the bat, report the exposure by filling out a form on the health department's website and call department staff at 517‑552‑6882 for testing guidance and next steps.

— Nicholas Lentz, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
The state has only seen three cases during that period, the department said.

— Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of department

Noun

The defeat was followed by an ugly postgame brawl that ran counter to the positive vibes Argentina generated in 2022 and has since brought significant punishment.

— Asli Pelit, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
According to Norqain, the Wild ONE Skeleton Gecko is designed for precisely that kind of punishment.

— Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of punishment

Noun

Inspired by Chelsea’s rich artistic, literary, and musical heritage, the interiors layer texture, color, and history with remarkable restraint.

— Nick Scott, Robb Report, 22 Aug. 2026
The shipping logjam at the canal continues to pile up, with the new restraints compounding prior traffic increases stemming from the disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of restraint

Verb

Iran has weathered near-continuous, punishing economic sanctions for nearly 50 years, since the Islamic Revolution of 1979.

— Reuters, NBC news, 21 Aug. 2026
The punishing financial verdicts against Jones and his company, Free Speech Systems, in recent years have forced him into bankruptcy, led to some of his personal property being put up for auction and led to him leaving his Infowars platform.

— Jim Vertuno, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of punish

Noun

Drivers are urged to use alternate routes and avoid the area.

— Chelsea Hylton, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
When asked if Tebow wanted to discuss Sunday’s experience, a member of his PR team said the 39-year-old native of the Jacksonville area native could not fit the request into his schedule.

— Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of area

Noun

As part of the penalty for these crimes, Hickey has been ordered to post an apology video on social media.

— Kris Millgate, Outdoor Life, 21 Aug. 2026
On the next play, Jefferson threw the ball into the chest of a receiver at the one-yard line, only for another holding penalty to negate the play.

— Caleb Otte, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of penalty

Noun

For the United States, that means encouraging reform, including human rights protections, and calling off the bargain that has allowed autocratic allies to get away with grievous repression.

— MARC LYNCH, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
Numerous other features not in competition include Oscar winner Paul Schrader’s latest directing project, The Basics of Philosophy, exploring his usual concerns of guilt and repression involving older male protagonists.

— David Bloom, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of repression

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disciplinary

discipline

disciplined

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“Discipline.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discipline. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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