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
The government recently announced another recruitment drive, offering to pay off debts of up to $140,000 for men who sign up and might otherwise face penalties for defaulting.
—
Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
Under Florida law, a first-time DUI conviction can carry penalties that include fines, probation, community service and a driver's license suspension, though any potential penalties in this case would depend on the outcome of court proceedings.
—Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026
The medical supplies facility has faced seven OSHA complaints since 2022, costing the company thousands of dollars in penalties.
—Lyanne Wang, CBS News, 13 June 2026
Regulatory regimes in some nations now hold cybersecurity leaders personally accountable for governance failures, with penalties ranging from fines and sanctions to criminal liability.
—Harpreet Sidhu, Fortune, 13 June 2026
When candor carries hidden penalties, leaders learn to preserve standing.
—Britton Bloch, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Several tenants then reached out to the Metropolitan Tenants Organization for support in fighting against their new rental terms and addressing it at City Council, which later adopted stricter penalties for landlords who violate city code.
—Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026
Generally, earnings can be withdrawn after age 59½ without taxes or penalties — and there are certain exceptions to the 10% penalty on earnings withdrawals before that age.
—Jessica Dickler,greg Iacurci, CNBC, 5 June 2026
Upon the passing of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 (OSRA), the FMC was granted more oversight over ocean carriers, namely by enabling them to enforce and levy penalties for Shipping Act violations.
—Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 4 June 2026
Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
Under Florida law, a first-time DUI conviction can carry penalties that include fines, probation, community service and a driver's license suspension, though any potential penalties in this case would depend on the outcome of court proceedings.
—Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026
The medical supplies facility has faced seven OSHA complaints since 2022, costing the company thousands of dollars in penalties.
—Lyanne Wang, CBS News, 13 June 2026
Regulatory regimes in some nations now hold cybersecurity leaders personally accountable for governance failures, with penalties ranging from fines and sanctions to criminal liability.
—Harpreet Sidhu, Fortune, 13 June 2026
When candor carries hidden penalties, leaders learn to preserve standing.
—Britton Bloch, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Several tenants then reached out to the Metropolitan Tenants Organization for support in fighting against their new rental terms and addressing it at City Council, which later adopted stricter penalties for landlords who violate city code.
—Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026
Generally, earnings can be withdrawn after age 59½ without taxes or penalties — and there are certain exceptions to the 10% penalty on earnings withdrawals before that age.
—Jessica Dickler,greg Iacurci, CNBC, 5 June 2026
Upon the passing of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 (OSRA), the FMC was granted more oversight over ocean carriers, namely by enabling them to enforce and levy penalties for Shipping Act violations.
—Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 4 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penalties
Noun
-
Failure to comply with these new protocols may result in fines for building management.—
Joan Murray,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
-
TxDOT says that a DWI charge can result in up to $17,000 in fines and fees, jail time, and loss of a driver’s license.—
Mary Ella Hastings
June 18,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
But many instructors don’t report incidents of cheating to administrators responsible for enforcing those rules and meting out punishments.—
Austin Sarat,
The Conversation,
17 June 2026
-
The Tennessee board normally mirrors punishments from other states without hesitation.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
The companies that scale AI best will likely be those that align these decisions early, before infrastructure constraints harden into structural disadvantages.—
Kiran Palla,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
-
Similar to how van Gisbergen debuted on a brand-new NASCAR circuit, thereby negating some of the disadvantages that come with racing in a series for the first time, Magnussen will have the same opportunity at San Diego.—
Jordan Bianchi,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
Being able to drive himself to shows and avoid the expenses associated with sky-high gas prices, a tour bus, and a substantial road crew is a plus for an indie artist.—
Josh Crutchmer,
Rolling Stone,
19 June 2026
-
In its first year, the new approach led Cigna to cut prior authorization requirements for tests and procedures by 15% and make changes to reduce patients’ out-of-pocket expenses, the company reported.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
19 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Penalties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penalties. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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