1
as in fines
a sum of money to be paid as a punishment
the penalty for speeding is $10 for every mile over the speed limit
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in punishments
suffering, loss, or hardship imposed in response to a crime or offense
in some cases, the new penalties for drug offenses were harsher than those for violent crimes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in disadvantages
the negative result caused by something that creates difficulty for achieving success
suffered the penalty of his decision to leave school without graduating
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of penalties
The penalties were imposed in September after an investigation by the sheriff’s internal affairs unit.
—
Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
So while the matchups were a factor in the game, their impact was lessened by all the penalties.
—Arpon Basu, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
The issue has prompted a sustained enforcement campaign and a push for steeper penalties — developments that carry direct implications for the commercial viability of the district.
—Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Apr. 2026
The Department of Labor cited the company with one willful and two serious violations and has proposed penalties of more than $170,000.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
Those who choose not to participate, however, face no penalties.
—Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026
Instead, the bill calls for the FBI to submit monthly explanations for reviews of Americans' information to an oversight official as well as criminal penalties for willful abuse, among other tweaks.
—Eric McDaniel, NPR, 24 Apr. 2026
While fighting to enhance penalties in Illinois, Peterson has successfully helped lawmakers in eight other states pass grooming laws.
—Megan De Mar, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
The Capitals are 17-7-1 in games their opponents commit more penalties.
—ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026
Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
So while the matchups were a factor in the game, their impact was lessened by all the penalties.
—Arpon Basu, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
The issue has prompted a sustained enforcement campaign and a push for steeper penalties — developments that carry direct implications for the commercial viability of the district.
—Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Apr. 2026
The Department of Labor cited the company with one willful and two serious violations and has proposed penalties of more than $170,000.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
Those who choose not to participate, however, face no penalties.
—Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026
Instead, the bill calls for the FBI to submit monthly explanations for reviews of Americans' information to an oversight official as well as criminal penalties for willful abuse, among other tweaks.
—Eric McDaniel, NPR, 24 Apr. 2026
While fighting to enhance penalties in Illinois, Peterson has successfully helped lawmakers in eight other states pass grooming laws.
—Megan De Mar, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
The Capitals are 17-7-1 in games their opponents commit more penalties.
—ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penalties
Noun
-
Advertisement China’s one-child policy, which was in place from 1979 to 2015, restricted families to one child; additional children would often lead to fines, loss of benefits, or other penalties.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The punishment will likely include 12 months of probation, fees and fines, the completion of a DUI class, and credit for any time spent in custody.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Those examples from this school year fit into a pattern of fraternity hazing, investigations and punishments that have played out repeatedly in recent years.—
Matthew Kelly
April 23,
Kansas City Star,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The women’s rulings are among the latest in a series of punishments issued amid a broader government crackdown on dissent.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Expanding the playoff to 16 teams, for example, would allow for more playoff spots and take some of the disadvantages of tough schedules away from those conferences.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Being inside the Vatican bubble has journalistic advantages and disadvantages.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Consider a federal housing-cost index showing that a Californian’s expenses for the roof over their head was 54% higher than what a typical American spent in 2024, the latest available stats.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
24 Apr. 2026
-
If the estate includes real estate, any ongoing home expenses such as mortgage payments, utilities, insurance, and property taxes are handled differently depending on state law.—
Nancy Ashburn,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Penalties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penalties. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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