as in punitive
inflicting, involving, or serving as punishment
forced to listen to a penalizing lecture on the consequences of lying
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in punishing
to inflict a penalty on for a fault or crime
the player was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of penalizing
Tracy Baim, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
The notion of characterizing such a move as anything more than penalizing the public — which is finally balking at more taxation — is nonsense.
—U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026
The proposal would block states from regulating how models are developed and from penalizing companies for downstream uses of their AI.
—Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 24 Mar. 2026
Locally, this transformation has been more controversial, especially among her political opponents and suburbanites who have criticized her for penalizing drivers.
—Marie Patino, Bloomberg, 20 Mar. 2026
Without the ability to recognize their most valuable customers, brands risk unintentionally penalizing loyal shoppers with strict policies.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 18 Mar. 2026
While the federal government stopped penalizing Americans without health insurance in 2019, four states and Washington DC still do.
—Medora Lee, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
The new bill prevents states and courts from penalizing pesticide manufacturers that do not include health warning labels beyond those required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
—Sarah Davis, The Hill, 5 Mar. 2026
The law prevents health insurers and providers from penalizing patients who inadvertently receive out-of-network care.
—Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 28 Feb. 2026
Verb
Plus new laws were going even further — into public bathrooms and people’s bedrooms, penalizing their most basic human freedoms of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
—Tracy Baim, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
The notion of characterizing such a move as anything more than penalizing the public — which is finally balking at more taxation — is nonsense.
—U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026
The proposal would block states from regulating how models are developed and from penalizing companies for downstream uses of their AI.
—Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 24 Mar. 2026
Locally, this transformation has been more controversial, especially among her political opponents and suburbanites who have criticized her for penalizing drivers.
—Marie Patino, Bloomberg, 20 Mar. 2026
Without the ability to recognize their most valuable customers, brands risk unintentionally penalizing loyal shoppers with strict policies.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 18 Mar. 2026
While the federal government stopped penalizing Americans without health insurance in 2019, four states and Washington DC still do.
—Medora Lee, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
The new bill prevents states and courts from penalizing pesticide manufacturers that do not include health warning labels beyond those required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
—Sarah Davis, The Hill, 5 Mar. 2026
The law prevents health insurers and providers from penalizing patients who inadvertently receive out-of-network care.
—Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 28 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penalizing
Adjective
-
Although detention is meant to be non-punitive, advocates and lawyers have criticized the conditions at these facilities, such as a lack of healthcare, exposure to extreme heat, and unsanitary conditions.—
Ignacio Calderon,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2026
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To the extent permitted by applicable law, all judgments or awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket damages (excluding attorneys’ fees) associated with participation in this Promotion and shall not include any indirect, punitive, incidental and/or consequential damages.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Moderate exercise helps, but high-intensity overtraining can raise cortisol further, worth knowing if punishing workouts are already part of a stressed routine.—
Allison Palmer,
Miami Herald,
1 Apr. 2026
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Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face punishing strikes on critical energy infrastructure.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Penalizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penalizing. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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