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
Lawrence also twice failed to snap the ball in time, resulting in delay-of-game penalties, including one on the final drive.
—
The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
But container shipping companies could still be risking other penalties at CBP’s discretion.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 6 Oct. 2025
Jones allowed two of the four passes in his coverage area to be caught for 19 yards and a touchdown, and committed two crucial fourth-quarter penalties, including one on a third down pass to Hunter Renfrow that allowed Carolina to run out the clock.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2025
Another key factor will be the Chiefs’ penalties.
—Chandler Boese, Kansas City Star, 6 Oct. 2025
Sephora will pay a total of $550,000 in civil penalties, $200,000 in cost recovery and $25,000 to the Environmental Enforcement and Training Account, which is managed by the California Environmental Protection Agency.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 29 Sep. 2025
The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
But container shipping companies could still be risking other penalties at CBP’s discretion.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 6 Oct. 2025
Jones allowed two of the four passes in his coverage area to be caught for 19 yards and a touchdown, and committed two crucial fourth-quarter penalties, including one on a third down pass to Hunter Renfrow that allowed Carolina to run out the clock.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2025
Another key factor will be the Chiefs’ penalties.
—Chandler Boese, Kansas City Star, 6 Oct. 2025
Sephora will pay a total of $550,000 in civil penalties, $200,000 in cost recovery and $25,000 to the Environmental Enforcement and Training Account, which is managed by the California Environmental Protection Agency.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penalties
Noun
-
Yet leadership just issues fines and looks the other way.—
Kevin Dotson,
CNN Money,
4 Oct. 2025
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The measure would create penalties of up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $100,000 for distributing pornography online.—
Arpan Lobo,
Freep.com,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
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If convicted of the charges, Griffith faces punishments ranging from a fine of $1 to 270 days in jail.—
Quinlan Bentley,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
2 Oct. 2025
-
The possible punishments vary dramatically.—
Victoria Bekiempis,
Vulture,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Jeffrey Hall Professor, University of Kansas While some users report positive effects of having an AI companion, there are disadvantages and even dangers to having a relationship with one.—
Gili Malinsky,
CNBC,
6 Oct. 2025
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In her book, Marin frames her economic disadvantages as an essential part of her political education.—
Jennifer Wilson,
New Yorker,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Funds will go toward funeral expenses and to support his wife.—
Natalie Davies,
Freep.com,
3 Oct. 2025
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All the horses' feed is paid for by Metro Nashville and the handler is given a $2,500 annual stipend for medical expenses.—
Craig Shoup,
Nashville Tennessean,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Penalties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penalties. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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