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.
Drugmakers have scaled them back due to criticism from lawmakers and new government policies, such as penalizing companies that charge Medicare program prices that rise faster than inflation. Reuters 12 Hr Ago, CNN Money, 1 Jan. 2026 Taboo Words This game penalizes players who say the wrong words. Mary Alice Russell, Southern Living, 28 Dec. 2025 Jefferson was penalized and ejected. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 26 Dec. 2025 Perryman was penalized for unnecessary roughness, but he wasn’t ejected from the game for his second-quarter tackle during the Chargers’ 34-17 victory. Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 25 Dec. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on penalize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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