Synonyms for
Punishing
Definition
causing someone to suffer, usually as a punishment for doing something wrong
Synonyms & similar words
heavy
operose
hard
laborious
arduous
penalize
punish
penalise
grueling
backbreaking
toilsome
gruelling
disciplining
penalizing
chastising
correcting
castigating
reproving
rebuking
reprimanding
condemning
sentencing
penalizing
flogging
whipping
beating
caning
thrashing
scourging
lashing
torturing
abusing
Synonyms by register
Antonyms
Common collocations
- punishing schedule
- punishing pace
- punishing conditions
- punishing regime
- punishing workout
- punishing journey
- punishingly difficult
Word family
Usage note
Often used to describe something that is difficult or demanding, such as a schedule, pace, or climate. It can imply a negative or challenging experience.
Example sentences
- The coach is punishing the team for not following the rules of the game.
- Dad is punishing me for not cleaning my room.
- The judge is punishing the criminal for breaking the law.
- The principal is punishing the student for cheating on the test.
- The police are punishing the driver for speeding on the highway.
Quotes
Life is tough, but it's tougher when you're stupid. - John Wayne
“Punishing honest mistakes stifles creativity. I want people moving and shaking the earth and they're going to make mistakes.” - Ross Perot
I have a punishing workout regimen. Every day I do 3 minutes on a treadmill, then I lie down, drink a glass of vodka and smoke a cigarette. - Anthony Hopkins