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 Napier’s fate was effectively sealed in 2025 when defensive tackle Brendan Bett was penalized and ejected for spitting on a USF player, igniting the Bulls’ game-winning drive. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026 The World Humanoid Robot Games allowed for human teleoperation of robots in certain events, but penalized the final score if robots were being remotely controlled rather than performing autonomously. — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 25 Aug. 2026 For example, switching to a compostable bottle may be rewarded in one state and penalized in another. — Erin Victor, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026 The guild contended that Attiah’s firing was pretextual, and that she was being penalized for speech that fell within her job description. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for penalize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for penalize

punish

Verb

If, as Jimmy Connors has said, tennis is boxing at ninety feet—a lonely battle of wills that punishes the slightest lapse in concentration—Eala’s southpaw forehand drives resemble Pacquiao’s blazing left hooks.

— Albert Samaha, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026
If the teams refuse to enroll the players who benefit from the TRO, those players could petition Hoffman to clarify that his order also blocks the SEC from punishing schools.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of punish

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penal

penalize

penalized

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“Penalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penalize. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of penalize

verb

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