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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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of penalize The terms of the injunction prevent the NCAA from penalizing Council for playing, or KU for playing him. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2026 Wasserman says traditional interviews tend to penalize candidates who are shy or are not native English speakers and to reward those who oversell themselves. — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026 Players will be penalized for attempting to push off or otherwise use their off arm to create space. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 Under California law, businesses with liquor licenses can be penalized for allowing underage people inside. — Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for penalize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for penalize

punish

Verb

The course is august and sweeping, with long straights and punishing curves, framed by the tall pine trees of a former royal park.

— Sam Knight, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026
Cam Skattebo was surprisingly punished for his fumbling issues, but there is precedence in John Harbaugh’s coaching history.

— Bill Reinhard, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of punish

Browse Nearby Words

penal

penalize

penalized

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“Penalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penalize. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of penalize

verb

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