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

Mendoza’s operation needed work, as the Raiders offense was called for four penalties with him at the helm. — Sam Warren, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Price is backing legislation that would increase penalties for certain excessively loud vehicle violations. — Terell Bailey, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

The charges carry maximum penalties of up to five and 10 years, respectively. — Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026

If Claude’s labels fail, the AI Act carries steep penalties for violations, including fines up to 15 million euros, or 3 percent of a company’s worldwide annual revenue. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 2026

The penalties apply to trees that were in excellent, good or fair condition and not trees that are dying or hazardous. — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

Iranian lawmakers have drafted a bill to regulate traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, including restrictions on certain vessels and penalties for violators, according to Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency. — Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

Tehran will impose penalties on violators equivalent to 20% of the value of cargo aboard a ship. — Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026

Fashanu allowed six sacks and committed three penalties in his second season. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026