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.

Gattuso admitted the team's shortcomings: "When you have chances and don't take them, football punishes you."

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

But in a society that consistently punishes good people, simply trying to make the songs real is worthy.

From Salon • Feb. 25, 2026

“We see telltale signs of a market distorted beyond recognition, one that punishes strategic investment, one that punishes diversification,” Vice President JD Vance said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

"Lebanon strictly applies the measures adopted to prevent money laundering, smuggling, or its use in financing terrorism, and severely punishes financial crimes of all kinds," Aoun said he had told the delegation.

From Barron's • Nov. 9, 2025

Any system that constricts teachers—holds them to small-bore metrics, punishes them for forces outside their control, discourages their creativity and spontaneity, chips away at their humanity—is a bad system.

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove