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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 After a chastening 22-point defeat at home in Game 3, a determined Pacers squad flew out of the gates and was 15 points up after the opening quarter. Matias Grez, CNN Money, 12 May 2025 Two months later, his side suffered a 5-2 defeat to Crystal Palace, followed by a chastening 5-0 loss away to Chelsea in May. Roshane Thomas, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025 Market shakeouts are about testing risk tolerances, forcing a rethink of unexamined premises and, at times, chastening the arrogant. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 3 Mar. 2025 Elsewhere, despite the success of USMNT players in the league phase, this week was chastening — Milan, Juventus and Celtic’s eliminations knocked out half a dozen of their stars. Jacob Whitehead, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chasten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chasten
Verb
  • The Boston Federal Reserve is already testing CBDC programs, and the examples of abuse are everywhere: China's social credit system, which punishes citizens for political dissent, and Canada freezing of truckers' bank accounts in 2022 for protesting vaccine mandates.
    Kevin Sabet, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
  • The 22-year-old Shelton was utterly dominant in his first two matches of the tournament, punishing opponents with blistering serves and thunderous ground strokes.
    Jacob Steinberg, Baltimore Sun, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • Coach Ruben Amorim publicly humiliated him before a loan move to Aston Villa for the final half of the campaign.
    Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
  • Caught in an undignified situation, humiliated by a hot, skinnier love interest, Jessica was the latest incarnation of the funny fat lady (who is never actually that fat, merely representative of the average American woman).
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 16 July 2025
Verb
  • This is mainly an effort to discredit and demonize property taxes, which DeSantis wants to abolish or severely curtail in Florida.
    Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 26 July 2025
  • Trump’s theory here, juiced by Gabbard, is that Obama used talk of Russian election interference to discredit Trump’s 2016 election win and hobble his first term in office.
    Chris Brennan, USA Today, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • Look, the Yankees didn’t embarrass themselves in a 4-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on Monday night.
    Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 29 July 2025
  • In the aftermath, the mother was angry for a week, accusing him of undermining her authority and embarrassing her in front of their social circle.
    Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Chasten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chasten. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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