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.
During a second-round match between two of tennis’ most combustible personalities, Ilie Nastase and John McEnroe, chair umpire Frank Hammond penalized and eventually defaulted Nastase for his behavior. — Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026 New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania have introduced or passed legislation penalizing the practice and requiring employers to disclose hiring timelines or remove filled postings, while Texas has opened its own investigation into a major job board. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 4 Sep. 2026 The system should be programmed to actively penalize source monopolies, forcing the engine to scrape a healthy mix of technical journalism, independent community forums (like Reddit threads), and video transcripts. — New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026 Practices could be penalized for taking in such patients, given that vaccination rates were one of the metrics on which insurers measured physicians’ success. — Eric Boodman, STAT, 3 Sep. 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 7 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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