1
2

Synonym Chooser

How is the word chasten distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of chasten are castigate, chastise, correct, discipline, and punish. While all these words mean "to inflict a penalty on in requital for wrongdoing," chasten suggests any affliction or trial that leaves one humbled or subdued.

chastened by a landslide election defeat

When would castigate be a good substitute for chasten?

The synonyms castigate and chasten are sometimes interchangeable, but castigate usually implies a severe, typically public censure.

an editorial castigating the entire city council

When is chastise a more appropriate choice than chasten?

The meanings of chastise and chasten largely overlap; however, chastise may apply to either the infliction of corporal punishment or to verbal censure or denunciation.

chastised his son for neglecting his studies

When could correct be used to replace chasten?

The words correct and chasten can be used in similar contexts, but correct implies punishing aimed at reforming an offender.

the function of prison is to correct the wrongdoer

When might discipline be a better fit than chasten?

The words discipline and chasten are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, discipline implies a punishing or chastening in order to bring under control.

parents must discipline their children

In what contexts can punish take the place of chasten?

Although the words punish and chasten have much in common, 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 chasten Since a chastening defeat to Coco Gauff in Toronto in 2022, Sabalenka has completely remade her serve, eliminating the sprees of double faults that used to pepper her matches. Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025 Newcastle ended their last match chastened, slumping to a 4-1 defeat to Bournemouth at St James’ Park which included two goals in second-half stoppage time. George Caulkin, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025 Jackson’s side needed it in what has been a chastening start to his second season Down Under. Beren Cross, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025 That was an equally chastening reality for their Qatari owners. Phil Hay, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chasten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chasten
Verb
  • Detroit doesn’t just punish defensive miscues in the half court.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025
  • There's an implicit fear of failure and an ingrained cultural mindset that punishes not rewards those who dare to think differently.
    Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Shawn reluctantly agrees, but is humiliated when Cory starts acting corny around his friend Gambling Dan (Phil Buckman), and his lackey, Louie (Weiss).
    EW.com, EW.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • He must be seen standing up to foreign oppressors who seek to humiliate China and thwart its rightful rise.
    Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Biden’s actions continue to discredit the legitimacy of our judicial system.
    Carl Burdette, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The current page suggests this paper's explicit intention was to discredit the lab leak theory and remove any doubt that the origins were of natural origin.
    Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • O’Neil had shown a more ruthless streak in dealing with Lemina, stripping the midfielder of the captaincy after those embarrassing post-match scenes at West Ham.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Punk proceeded to beatdown and embarrass McIntyre, leading to Priest cashing in his Money in the Bank contract and winning the title from McIntyre.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Chasten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chasten. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on chasten

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!