penalize

verb

pe·​nal·​ize ˈpē-nə-ˌlīz How to pronounce penalize (audio) ˈpe- How to pronounce penalize (audio)
penalized; penalizing
Synonyms of penalize

transitive verb

1
: to inflict a penalty on
2
: to put at a serious disadvantage
penalization
ˈpē-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce penalize (audio)
noun

Synonyms of penalize

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Examples of penalize in a Sentence

The company was penalized for not paying taxes. The hockey player was penalized for holding. This law would unfairly penalize immigrants.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The penalties are a key point because, though the judge could clear the players to be eligible, a school may still be reluctant to risk being penalized by the conference. — Seth Emerson, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026 Additionally, rigid systems penalize career reinvention or past departures, and fail to create pathways for skilled former employees to return. — Sheila Callaham, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 In stopping short of imposing sanctions on the Egyptian bank, the move signals the Republican administration's reluctance to penalize major trading partners that do business with Iran, including China and India. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 Many automakers have been pushing for a revised USMCA that better rewards domestic manufacturing and penalizes competitors reliant on foreign imports. — Jamie L. Lareau, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for penalize

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of penalize was in 1888

Rhymes for penalize

See All Rhymes for penalize

Browse Nearby Words

penalization
penalize
penally
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Cite this Entry

“Penalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penalize. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

penalize

verb
pe·​nal·​ize ˈpēn-ᵊl-ˌīz How to pronounce penalize (audio) ˈpen- How to pronounce penalize (audio)
penalized; penalizing
1
: to give a penalty to
2
: to place at a disadvantage
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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