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
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 penalties
The airline is allowing passengers to change, cancel, or refund their flights without any penalties and has advised them to visit the website or app to check the status of flights or to explore alternative options.
—
Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
Banks had two costly penalties to set up a Bears field goal and appeared to blow the coverage on the Odunze touchdown, so the coaches instead went with a seventh-round pick on the game’s most critical drive.
—Dan Duggan, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
Some lawmakers have also introduced bills that would impose financial penalties on members of Congress during a shutdown or hold off their pay.
—Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 10 Nov. 2025
The Justice Department, in its defense of the tariffs, has highlighted the expansive way Trump has used them, arguing that the trade penalties are part of his power over foreign affairs, an area where the courts should not second-guess the president.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 3 Nov. 2025
Violating the law could result in various penalties depending on the severity of the situation, including fines or jail time.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Nov. 2025
And similar to hockey, penalties can lead to power play situations in which one team is undermanned.
—Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2025
But lower courts have ruled Trump overstepped his authority to impose tariffs under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which was historically used to impose economic sanctions and other penalties on foreign enemies.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
More importantly for automakers’ bottom lines, the financial penalties for not meeting fuel efficiency rules have all but vanished.
—Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
Banks had two costly penalties to set up a Bears field goal and appeared to blow the coverage on the Odunze touchdown, so the coaches instead went with a seventh-round pick on the game’s most critical drive.
—Dan Duggan, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
Some lawmakers have also introduced bills that would impose financial penalties on members of Congress during a shutdown or hold off their pay.
—Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 10 Nov. 2025
The Justice Department, in its defense of the tariffs, has highlighted the expansive way Trump has used them, arguing that the trade penalties are part of his power over foreign affairs, an area where the courts should not second-guess the president.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 3 Nov. 2025
Violating the law could result in various penalties depending on the severity of the situation, including fines or jail time.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Nov. 2025
And similar to hockey, penalties can lead to power play situations in which one team is undermanned.
—Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2025
But lower courts have ruled Trump overstepped his authority to impose tariffs under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which was historically used to impose economic sanctions and other penalties on foreign enemies.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
More importantly for automakers’ bottom lines, the financial penalties for not meeting fuel efficiency rules have all but vanished.
—Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penalties
Noun
-
Businesses that host these performances are subject to $10,000 fines, while performers found in violation of Senate Bill 12 can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor.—
Abby Monteil,
Them.,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Not to mention, Fair Havens generated a bevy of lawsuits and fines under Esformes’ leadership.—
Kevin G. Hall,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The passage of Proposition 36, a tougher-on-crime law that placed stricter punishments on repeat drug and theft offenders, has given both agencies more opportunities to try to help those in custody suffering from drug addiction.—
Nathaniel Percy,
Oc Register,
7 Nov. 2025
-
The league has noticeably grown more strict regarding punishments for hip-drop tackles.—
Reice Shipley,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
In fact, a 2024 British Journal of Sports Medicine study funded in part by the IOC found that trans women athletes may face several disadvantages when competing with cisgender women, such as less lower body strength and a lower maximum rate of oxygen consumption than both cis women and cis men.—
Abby Monteil,
Them.,
11 Nov. 2025
-
When asked about potential disadvantages, Roberson said officials hear from educators who can be reluctant to adjust lesson plans.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Different food hubs help farmers cut expenses by providing a variety of resources, such as warehousing, transportation and delivery, education, marketing, contract management and some even provide supplies to farmers.—
Cristina LaRue,
Arkansas Online,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Over the last 18 months, costs have risen around 20%, largely due to inflation and labor costs, but tariffs implemented earlier this year have also added to higher operational expenses.—
Amalia Roy,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Penalties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penalties. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share