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Generally, earnings can be withdrawn after age 59½ without taxes or penalties — and there are certain exceptions to the 10% penalty on earnings withdrawals before that age.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
-
The proposal would require extensive recordkeeping and impose steep fines on repair shops, recyclers, pawn shops and secondhand dealers that traffic in undocumented airbags.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
11 June 2026
-
Even prestigious law firms are being humiliated, with some perpetrators getting slapped with fines and facing discipline from the Bar.—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
Witnesses also told the commission that the punishments were carried out in hospital compounds, including the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis.—
Sam Metz,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
-
Throughout summer 2023, athletes at both campuses were in limbo about possible punishments.—
Scott Dochterman,
New York Times,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
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
-
In comparison, the new players have their own advantages and disadvantages.—
David Szondy
May 31,
New Atlas,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
Steady cash flow gives businesses the room to cover daily expenses, meet payroll, pay suppliers and plan with confidence.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
-
Scholarships and loans that cover the cost of tuition may not stretch far enough for expenses like housing, transportation, meals, books and computers.—
Albert D. Mosley,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Penalties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penalties. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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