Synonyms of penalties

penalties

noun

plural of penalty

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

• fines
• forfeitures
• damages
• forfeits
• mulcts
• compensations
• awards
• reparations
• indemnities
• assessments

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

• punishments
• wraths
• sentences
• corrections
• disciplines
• chastisements
• fines
• castigations
• deserts
• condemnations
• retributions
• nemeses
• reprisals
• comeuppances
• reprimands
• retaliations
• assessments
• charges
• examples
• revenges
• criticisms
• imprisonments
• mulcts
• vengeances
• censures
• incarcerations
• confinements
• denouncements
• rebukes
• reproofs
• damnations

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• indemnities
• exemptions
• pardons
• amnesties
• immunities
• paroles
• acquittals
• exonerations
• vindications
• releases
• exculpations
• commutations
• impunities
• remissions
• reprieves
• absolutions
• disregards
• remitments
• condonations

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

• disadvantages
• expenses
• losses
• damages
• despites
• injuries
• detriments
• deficits
• deprivations
• harms
• prejudices
• disfavors
• hurts

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• advantages
• gains
• favors

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of penalties

Disruptions that cascade across siloed departments generate redundant labor costs, spoiled cargo commitments, maintenance penalties and compensation claims. — Abha Dogra, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026

And the Rams, who committed a whopping 13 penalties to Denver's five, weren't done. — ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026

The ballot measure also increases penalties for those charged with possession. — Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026

The new law also increases penalties for repeat violators of state fireworks laws, allowing jurisdictions to impose fines of up to $5,000 on repeat offenders. — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 2026

The bill also gives some legal protection for school districts against financial penalties if their arts funding decreases as a result of factors beyond their control, such as the expiration of a grant. — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026

Negative plays on offense lingered, too, with penalties taking away chunk plays and small mistakes compounding into setbacks. — Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 28 Sep. 2026

The Future of Football The NFL has introduced stricter concussion protocols, penalties for high-risk tackles, as well as better gear and cutting full-contact practice to once a week. — Alexandra Pattillo, Scientific American, 23 Sep. 2026

Throughout Zahnd’s tenure, Platte County developed a reputation for harsher penalties and sentences. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026