1
as in fine
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
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2
as in punishment
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 disadvantage
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 penalty
But now, an outdated tax rule is turning what was once a reward into a financial penalty.
—
Collyn Wainwright, The Tennessean, 22 Aug. 2025
Baker was also charged with an offensive pass interference penalty.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 22 Aug. 2025
The damages phase took place last year and the penalty phase, which kicked off this week.
—Tracy Wright , Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Offer flexibility—Allow leaders to adjust workloads or step back temporarily without penalty.
—Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for penalty
Collyn Wainwright, The Tennessean, 22 Aug. 2025
Baker was also charged with an offensive pass interference penalty.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 22 Aug. 2025
The damages phase took place last year and the penalty phase, which kicked off this week.
—Tracy Wright , Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Offer flexibility—Allow leaders to adjust workloads or step back temporarily without penalty.
—Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for penalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penalty
Noun
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Williams has also received attention as of late for WNBA fines.—
Allison Smith,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
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The fine stems from an April 15, 2024, report date — five days before Colorado opened its first-round series in the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Winnipeg Jets.—
Marco Cummings,
Denver Post,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Reserve duty is technically mandatory, though penalties for evasion often depend on the willingness of the direct commander to enforce punishment.—
Emily Rose,
USA Today,
20 Aug. 2025
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Trump ordered his administration to remove millions of migrants without legal status and enforce stricter punishments on visa overstays.—
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Along with other shareholders, Gabelli complained that Redstone carved out a sweetheart deal for herself and her family, coming away with $2.4 billion in proceeds from the merger while other investors were left at a disadvantage.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
13 Aug. 2025
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The artificial intelligence revolution will only exacerbate the United States’ disadvantages unless policymakers urgently develop a new approach.—
Anne Neuberger,
Foreign Affairs,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Canada’s ire toward the U.S. in the wake of soured trade relations has rocked summer tourism and spurred consumer boycotts, but that wrath has not extended to U.S. markets.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
26 Aug. 2025
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And ever since, he’s been a top target of Trump's wrath.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 Aug. 2025
Noun
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More than two-thirds of television workers – 68% – report difficulty covering basic living expenses.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
22 Aug. 2025
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Loan approval and actual loan terms depend on applicant’s state of residence and ability to meet OneMain Financial credit standards such as a responsible credit history, sufficient income after monthly expenses, and if applicable, availability of eligible collateral.—
Andreina Rodriguez,
CNBC,
22 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Penalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penalty. Accessed 31 Aug. 2025.
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