as in punitive
inflicting, involving, or serving as punishment
Australia was once a penal colony
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Recent Examples of penal
By then, his tour of the federal penal system had taken him to the medium security penitentiary in Coleman, Florida.
—
Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 13 Apr. 2026
Within the Moreton Bay area, a penal settlement for colonial recidivists was founded at Brisbane, followed by other penal establishments at Ipswich and on Stradbroke Island.
—Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Mar. 2026
But those who do get caught end up experiencing the Gulf’s penal system for at least a while, which is something most tourists and residents would prefer to avoid.
—Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 12 Mar. 2026
The charges were altered at the plea hearing; Russell had been originally charged with one felony count of abuse of residents of penal facilities and one felony count of misconduct in public office.
—Kelli Arseneau, jsonline.com, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for penal
Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 13 Apr. 2026
Within the Moreton Bay area, a penal settlement for colonial recidivists was founded at Brisbane, followed by other penal establishments at Ipswich and on Stradbroke Island.
—Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Mar. 2026
But those who do get caught end up experiencing the Gulf’s penal system for at least a while, which is something most tourists and residents would prefer to avoid.
—Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 12 Mar. 2026
The charges were altered at the plea hearing; Russell had been originally charged with one felony count of abuse of residents of penal facilities and one felony count of misconduct in public office.
—Kelli Arseneau, jsonline.com, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for penal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penal
Adjective
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San Diego’s leadership should recognize the urgency of these challenges as part of a broader civic agenda and increase resources for early interventions that are rehabilitative rather than punitive.—
Muhammad Aquil,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 June 2026
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What your employer can't do When a garnishment order is issued, many borrowers will worry that their jobs could be at risk due to punitive action by their employers.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
4 June 2026
Adjective
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Our organization also played a leading role in modernizing Connecticut;s correctional system, helping lay the groundwork for the creation of the Connecticut Department of Correction in 1968 and participating in the selection of its first commissioner.—
Beth Hines,
Hartford Courant,
4 June 2026
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Crucially, the governor’s proposal goes deep into state correctional institutions, pushing to elevate the starting pay of correctional officers and funding 500 new positions.—
John Koufos,
Sun Sentinel,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Penal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penal. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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