penalize

verb

pe·​nal·​ize ˈpē-nə-ˌlīz How to pronounce penalize (audio) ˈpe- How to pronounce penalize (audio)
penalized; penalizing
Synonyms of penalizenext

transitive verb

1
: to inflict a penalty on
2
: to put at a serious disadvantage
penalization noun

Synonyms of penalize

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.
Both players went down, but Brazilian referee Raphael Claus did not initially penalize either. Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026 Property owners who fail to respond to the city can also be penalized. Brian Maass, CBS News, 2 July 2026 This was competitors at each other’s throats – sure, literally so is a bit much – and variously penalized for it. Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 2 July 2026 Men too experience gender bias at work and may be penalized for caring behaviors, so normalizing and rewarding care work performed by men can help illustrate that care work is imperative for a healthy workplace culture for all. Holly Corbett, Forbes.com, 1 July 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

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Cite this Entry

“Penalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penalize. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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

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