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.

See Examples For:

punishes

“The same rate hike that helps a CD also punishes anyone carrying a credit-card balance.”

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 15, 2026

When guided by seasoned coaches, football punishes hits after the whistle.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 3, 2026

To recap: Purcell punishes a plaintiff in voting cases for being too late to court.

From Slate ● Aug. 25, 2026

Immigration attorneys have spoken out against the practice, saying it punishes people who are trying to comply with the rules and turns the justice system into a place of fear.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 24, 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