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
There are no idle fees or penalties for charging to 100% on IONNA’s network either.
—
Anthony Karcz,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2026
Congress last used its right of review under President Joe Biden in 2023, the first time since 1991, over a crime bill that would have reduced penalties for violent crimes.
—
Naomi Lim,
The Washington Examiner,
27 June 2026
Both countries impose severe penalties on LGBTQ people.
—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
26 June 2026
The penalties may be increased if violators have a prior criminal history and apply to both adults and juveniles.
—
Velvet Wu
june 25,
Sacbee.com,
26 June 2026
Robinson’s defense attorneys suggested lesser penalties could include ordering Ballard to attend a continuing education program or a referral to the state bar association.
—
Andi Babineau,
CNN Money,
26 June 2026
Also, libraries that miss administrative deadlines could receive penalties.
—
Carole Carlson,
Chicago Tribune,
26 June 2026
But because World Cup ticket prices have surged since the tournament began, those sellers have been forced to either buy expensive tickets to fulfill their orders or cancel and accept penalties from resale platforms.
—
R.j. Rico,
Fortune,
20 June 2026
StubHub's penalties are typically 200% of the ticket price, Friedman said.
—
ABC News,
19 June 2026
Anthony Karcz,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2026
Congress last used its right of review under President Joe Biden in 2023, the first time since 1991, over a crime bill that would have reduced penalties for violent crimes.
—
Naomi Lim,
The Washington Examiner,
27 June 2026
Both countries impose severe penalties on LGBTQ people.
—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
26 June 2026
The penalties may be increased if violators have a prior criminal history and apply to both adults and juveniles.
—
Velvet Wu
june 25,
Sacbee.com,
26 June 2026
Robinson’s defense attorneys suggested lesser penalties could include ordering Ballard to attend a continuing education program or a referral to the state bar association.
—
Andi Babineau,
CNN Money,
26 June 2026
Also, libraries that miss administrative deadlines could receive penalties.
—
Carole Carlson,
Chicago Tribune,
26 June 2026
But because World Cup ticket prices have surged since the tournament began, those sellers have been forced to either buy expensive tickets to fulfill their orders or cancel and accept penalties from resale platforms.
—
R.j. Rico,
Fortune,
20 June 2026
StubHub's penalties are typically 200% of the ticket price, Friedman said.
—
ABC News,
19 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penalties
Noun
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Rothrock said the fines are stiff, too.
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After dark, boats need proper navigation lights; boating under the influence is treated much like DUI on the road, with fines, possible jail time and loss of boating privileges.
Noun
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Third, the players are pushing the MLB to adjust how sports betting investigations and punishments are dealt with.
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Prosecutors added severe mandatory penalties to their cases, stacking those punishments, even if no shots were fired, to build prison terms of 50, 60 or even 100 years.
Noun
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DataHaven found that a legacy of racial and residential segregation has contributed to lingering inequality, with Black and Latino communities facing significant disadvantages and lower quality of life.
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Consider both carefully, then, as each comes with significant advantages and disadvantages in today's economy.
Noun
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Reject lifestyle creep The first right move may be as simple as crafting (and sticking to) a new budget to avoid lifestyle creep, which happens when a person’s expenses rise with their salary, leaving little room to save or pay down debt.
-
Part of that is the $247 per diem lawmakers received for meals and other expenses.
Cite this Entry
“Penalties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penalties. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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