DISCIPLINE Synonyms: 181 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'discipline' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of discipline are castigate , chasten , chastise , correct , and punish . While all these words mean "to inflict a penalty on in requital for wrongdoing," discipline implies a punishing or chastening in order to bring under control. // parents must discipline their children

Q: When is 'castigate' a more appropriate choice than 'discipline'?

The meanings of castigate and discipline largely overlap; however, castigate usually implies a severe, typically public censure. // an editorial castigating the entire city council

Q: When would 'chasten' be a good substitute for 'discipline'?

The synonyms chasten and discipline are sometimes interchangeable, but chasten suggests any affliction or trial that leaves one humbled or subdued. // chastened by a landslide election defeat

Q: When can 'chastise' be used instead of 'discipline'?

While the synonyms chastise and discipline are close in meaning, chastise may apply to either the infliction of corporal punishment or to verbal censure or denunciation. // chastised his son for neglecting his studies

Q: When might 'correct' be a better fit than 'discipline'?

While in some cases nearly identical to discipline , correct implies punishing aimed at reforming an offender. // the function of prison is to correct the wrongdoer

Q: When is it sensible to use 'punish' instead of 'discipline'?

The words punish and discipline can be used in similar contexts, but punish implies subjecting to a penalty for wrongdoing. // punished for stealing

discipline 1 of 2

noun

ˈdi-sə-plən

Definition of discipline

as in department

a region of activity, knowledge, or influence you must choose a discipline to focus on in college

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in punishment

suffering, loss, or hardship imposed in response to a crime or offense harsh discipline was imposed to keep order within the ranks

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in restraint

the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others she lacks the discipline that's essential for a job in customer relations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

discipline

2 of 2

verb

as in to punish

to inflict a penalty on for a fault or crime the pranksters were severely disciplined for their irresponsible stunt

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word discipline distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of discipline are castigate, chasten, chastise, correct, and punish. While all these words mean "to inflict a penalty on in requital for wrongdoing," discipline implies a punishing or chastening in order to bring under control.

parents must discipline their children

When is castigate a more appropriate choice than discipline?

The meanings of castigate and discipline largely overlap; however, castigate usually implies a severe, typically public censure.

an editorial castigating the entire city council

When would chasten be a good substitute for discipline?

The synonyms chasten and discipline are sometimes interchangeable, but chasten suggests any affliction or trial that leaves one humbled or subdued.

chastened by a landslide election defeat

When can chastise be used instead of discipline?

While the synonyms chastise and discipline are close in meaning, chastise may apply to either the infliction of corporal punishment or to verbal censure or denunciation.

chastised his son for neglecting his studies

When might correct be a better fit than discipline?

While in some cases nearly identical to discipline, correct implies punishing aimed at reforming an offender.

the function of prison is to correct the wrongdoer

When is it sensible to use punish instead of discipline?

The words punish and discipline can be used in similar contexts, but punish implies subjecting to a penalty for wrongdoing.

punished for stealing

Example Sentences

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 discipline

Noun

Of course, exercise psychology isn't an exact science and discipline/willpower helps people overcome all kinds of potential barriers. — Matt Parrott, Arkansas Online, 5 July 2026 In Aries, the taskmaster planet brings maturity and discipline to a Fire sign associated with independence, impulse and passion. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026

Verb

Your 6th House of Work and Wellness shifts as nurturing Moon opposes disciplined Saturn in 12th House of Solitude, so duty and rest tug for balance. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2026 Among other things, Warshaw said the sheriff’s office leadership tried to pressure the bureau’s commander to reopen closed investigations into two deputies who had been disciplined and placed on the Brady list, a public database of officer misconduct. — Rafael Carranza, ProPublica, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for discipline

Recent Examples of Synonyms for discipline

Noun

The department said the tragedy is an important reminder to drivers to always make sure children are not left in cars, especially in hot weather.

— David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026
Additional details are expected to be released on Monday, the department said.

— Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 6 July 2026

Definition of department

Noun

Wildfires have also scorched thousands of acres in Arizona, which led Phoenix to ban all fireworks on city property including parks and within 1 mile of nature preserves, with punishments including $2,500 fines.

— Amen Galinato, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
The parliament in England created laws against Quakers, forbidding them to worship freely, charging them with punishments for refusing to take oaths or refusing to remove their hats.

— Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 3 July 2026

Definition of punishment

Noun

Under an existing state appropriations restraint, also known as the Gann Limit, lawmakers cannot spend more than an amount determined by a formula that takes annual tax proceeds, changes to the population and cost of living into consideration.

— Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
For 70 minutes, Paraguay had played with corseted restraint, frustrating France with organisation, concentration and no little gamesmanship.

— Adam Crafton, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of restraint

Noun

The warning sign against Japan came when Casemiro picked up a yellow card in the 14th minute for a clumsy foul on the edge of the area.

— Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 July 2026
Wildlife officials caught and euthanized two alligators in the area, which measured 12 feet and 13 feet.

— Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of area

Noun

Egypt defeated Australia 4-2 in a penalty-kick shootout Friday after the teams played to a 1-1 tie after 120 minutes in Arlington, Texas.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
After the penalty granted by VAR, Cristiano Ronaldo stepped into the box and scored his first carrer goal in a World Cup knockout match.

— Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026

Definition of penalty

Noun

Anderson Daniel Salcedo Lozano, 22, grew up amid the chaos of the Maduro years, which were marked by long lines for bread and medicine, rising infant mortality, spiraling inflation and the violent repression of protests.

— Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
In Venezuela, where confidence in institutions had already eroded after years of economic collapse and political repression, the earthquake may be accelerating that process.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 29 June 2026

Definition of repression

Noun

The space is a balance between tropical escape and late-night lounge, with moody lighting, sexy design elements and music that keeps the energy elevated throughout the evening.

— Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
The Samba sneakers add a sporty element, while proving to be comfortable and easy to walk around in around New York City.

— Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 5 July 2026

Definition of element

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disciplinary

discipline

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“Discipline.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discipline. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of discipline

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verb

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