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 Under California law, businesses with liquor licenses can be penalized for allowing underage people inside. — Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026 California's governor last week vetoed legislation that would have penalized the use of smart glasses to record people without their permission in places like changing rooms, doctor’s offices and other spaces people generally consider private. — ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026 California’s governor last week vetoed legislation that would have penalized the use of smart glasses to record people without their permission in places like changing rooms, doctor’s offices and other spaces people generally consider private. — Jamey Keaten, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026 The Jaguars’ 13-3 halftime advantage would’ve been bigger if not for the team’s most penalized half of the season. — Zak Keefer, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for penalize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for penalize

punish

Verb

At the root of the crisis is inadequate laws to punish offenders and a poor judicial system, activists say.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026
Yeah, this is my PhD work, focused on the ways in which soybeans, so legumes, are able to discriminate and actually punish.

— Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 15 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of penalize

verb

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