punishes

VERB

penalize for wrongdoing

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abuse chastise correct crack down on discipline dismiss execute expel fine harm hurt incarcerate sentence

STRONG

batter beat blacklist castigate chasten cuff debar defrock exile flog immure injure lash lecture maltreat misuse oppress paddle reprove scourge spank switch train whip

WEAK

attend to beat up do in give a going over give the works knock about rap knuckles rough up slap wrist teach a lesson throw the book at

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid assist benefit compliment help preserve welcome

STRONG

boost guard lose praise protect surrender

WEAK

award exonerate let go reward

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Open always walks a tightrope between presenting a difficult test—one that rewards good shots and appropriately punishes bad ones—and creating conditions that veer into the absurd.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 18, 2026

Ahmed: Of course, like this idea of searching for your identity in a world that either commodifies it or punishes it, that’s something I relate to.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

Depriving prisoners of communication with the outside world also punishes their families.

From Barron's • May 8, 2026

"However we believe this must be done in a way that supports rather than punishes Welsh households, businesses and our farming sector."

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

At the happy ending of The Tempest, Prospero brings the king back together with his son, and finds Miranda’s true love, and punishes the bad duke, and frees Ariel, and becomes a duke himself again.

From "The Wednesday Wars" by Gary D. Schmidt