Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of penal Kevin is on the penal version of a time out. Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 10 Mar. 2025 Missing fairway’s off the tee is more penal at Bay Hill. Jay Ginsbach, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 Even in the most incarcerated country in the world, the penal system is, for many people, experienced through mass media representations, whether fictional or documentary. Sarah C. Schaefer, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025 The corpus of crime-and-punishment imagery that emerged during this era tended to feature sensational events and high-profile lawbreakers rather than emphasizing the uniform anonymity that would increasingly characterize the new penal system and the majority of inmates. Sarah C. Schaefer, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for penal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penal
punitive
Adjective
  • Proactive Regulatory Engagement Rather than awaiting punitive laws, leaders should shape ethical norms: • Fairness Pledges: Company commitments to cap surge pricing during crises, like natural disasters.
    Durga Krishnamoorthy, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
  • The same person that says this is daycare, games, goofing around, not punitive enough.
    Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Penal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penal. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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