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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 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
  • The Warriors don’t have enough isolation players who can punish Houston’s aggression.
    Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 3 May 2025
  • Five current or former Iowa State football coaching staff members have been punished by the NCAA for sports gambling that included bets on the school's men's and women's basketball programs.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • In a display of brute aggression, cartel operatives humiliated Mexican officials by forcing the government to release Mr. Guzmán López shortly after he was captured.
    Alan Feuer, New York Times, 7 May 2025
  • But in Trump’s White House, the goal may be simpler—and harder: not getting humiliated.
    Nik Popli, Time, 5 May 2025
Verb
  • Crucially, this emerging capability to emulate human thought–like behaviors does not confirm or discredit chatbot consciousness.
    Susan Schneider, Scientific American, 1 May 2025
  • Elon Musk also shared one portraying Harris discrediting her own credentials.
    Emily Forlini, PC Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The goal isn’t to embarrass or dominate the other person.
    John Bowe, CNBC, 1 May 2025
  • This is not Carey's first time embarrassing her children.
    Kayla Grant, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Chasten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chasten. Accessed 13 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on chasten

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