Synonyms of penalizing

penalizing 1 of 2

adjective

as in punitive

inflicting, involving, or serving as punishment

forced to listen to a penalizing lecture on the consequences of lying

Synonyms & Similar Words

• punitive
• correcting
• correctional
• penal
• disciplining
• disciplinary
• corrective
• chastising
• castigating
• chastening
• retaliatory
• retributive
• revengeful
• vengeful
• retaliative
• wrathful
• retributory

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• compensatory
• nonpunitive
• vindicating
• exculpatory
• exonerating
• exculpating
• remitting
• condoning
• pardoning
• absolving
• commuting
• acquitting
• reprieving

penalizing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of penalize

as in punishing

to inflict a penalty on for a fault or crime

the player was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct

Synonyms & Similar Words

• punishing
• fining
• disciplining
• criticizing
• correcting
• chastising
• castigating
• imposing
• assessing
• sentencing
• chastening
• convicting
• levying
• condemning
• charging
• denouncing
• docking
• reprimanding
• mulcting
• rebuking
• reproving
• wreaking
• damning
• keelhauling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• excusing
• sparing
• pardoning
• forfeiting
• releasing
• getting off
• commuting
• ransoming
• vindicating
• exonerating
• absolving
• acquitting
• exculpating
• reprieving

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of penalizing

Verb

In addition to penalizing mixed-status families, advocates say the rule has other problems. —Laura Turbay, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026

Under the law, homes are revalued when they are being sold, often raising property taxes substantially — effectively penalizing new homebuyers. —Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 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

The result is a policy framework that favors costly urban rental housing while penalizing homes built in the regions where most Californians actually live and work. —Jennifer Hernandez, Washington Post, 20 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