PENALIZE Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

penalize

verb

ˈpē-nə-ˌlīz

Definition of penalize

as in to punish

to inflict a penalty on for a fault or crime the player was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct

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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 penalize Economists studying the post-recession years have found this asymmetry systematically rewarded people who already owned capital before the crash and penalized everyone who didn’t yet have any. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026 Any talk of changing the rules, salary cap or otherwise, to put reins on this kind of success would propagate underperformance and penalize this fascinating culture of constant improvement. — Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026 Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, aims to hurt Russia’s war effort in Ukraine by penalizing purchasers of Russian oil and Russian leaders. — Irit Skulnik, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026 The bipartisan legislation, which passed 86-11, would penalize countries that continue to buy Russian oil, gas and other exports seeking to deprive Putin of revenues fueling the war. — Mary Clare Jalonick, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for penalize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for penalize

punish

Verb

Like Jacas, rookie Khalil Jacobs was punished a couple times for over-pursuing.

— Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 15 Aug. 2026
At Thursday's rally, vendors called on the city to work with them rather than punish them.

— Da Lin, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of punish

Browse Nearby Words

penal

penalize

penalized

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“Penalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penalize. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of penalize

verb

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