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
His eagerness to get on the ball, even in his own half, the two nerveless penalties, and the blistering finish for his third goal would all suggest not.
—
Cerys Jones, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026
Barry said the new penalties are being enacted to coincide with the town’s passage of new rules dealing with nuisances and stormwater issues.
—Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
If the concerns are not addressed or violations recur, PP&D is able to initiate administrative review proceedings before a hearings officer, who may uphold the land-use agreement, modify its stipulations, impose penalties, or outright revoke the permit.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 7 Feb. 2026
Davis was referring to Senate Bill 4, a 2017 state law that bars local governments from limiting enforcement of federal immigration laws and allows penalties — including removal from office — for officials who do.
—Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026
Taxpayers who need more time can request a six-month filing extension — but any taxes owed must still be paid by the April deadline to avoid penalties and interest.
—Sacbee.com, 6 Feb. 2026
The Golden Knights won despite taking six penalties, though one was a fighting major shared by both teams.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Increasingly, schools in California excessively coddle students by neglecting to impose penalties for late work, eliminating the possibility for a failing grade, and unlimited opportunities to redo exams and assignments.
—Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026
Those penalties increase if any injuries or deaths are caused by a crash due to texting and driving.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 31 Jan. 2026
Cerys Jones, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026
Barry said the new penalties are being enacted to coincide with the town’s passage of new rules dealing with nuisances and stormwater issues.
—Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
If the concerns are not addressed or violations recur, PP&D is able to initiate administrative review proceedings before a hearings officer, who may uphold the land-use agreement, modify its stipulations, impose penalties, or outright revoke the permit.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 7 Feb. 2026
Davis was referring to Senate Bill 4, a 2017 state law that bars local governments from limiting enforcement of federal immigration laws and allows penalties — including removal from office — for officials who do.
—Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026
Taxpayers who need more time can request a six-month filing extension — but any taxes owed must still be paid by the April deadline to avoid penalties and interest.
—Sacbee.com, 6 Feb. 2026
The Golden Knights won despite taking six penalties, though one was a fighting major shared by both teams.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Increasingly, schools in California excessively coddle students by neglecting to impose penalties for late work, eliminating the possibility for a failing grade, and unlimited opportunities to redo exams and assignments.
—Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026
Those penalties increase if any injuries or deaths are caused by a crash due to texting and driving.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 31 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penalties
Noun
-
If convicted on all counts, Johnson could face up to 35 years and three months in prison and up to $80,000 in fines.—
Adrienne Davis,
jsonline.com,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Langstraat Bui’s passion for lifelong learning was reflected in her support of the 81 Club initiative, a partnership with Chicago Public Schools that gives every student a library card, without fines and late fees being a barrier to access.—
Darcel Rockett,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
That left the Clintons with little choice but to agree to testify or face one of the most severe punishments Congress can give.—
Stephen Groves,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Still, the prospect of a vote raised the potential for Congress to use one of its most severe punishments against a former president for the first time.—
Stephen Groves,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Fracture pan cons On the other hand, there are some disadvantages to fracture bedpans.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Jan. 2026
-
The Norwegian tax exemptions on EVs were introduced before EVs came to market and were decisive in offsetting the early disadvantages of EVs compared to conventional cars, especially regarding comfort, vehicle size, and range.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Similar to the current year, district officials pointed to four major inflationary budget challenges projected to cost $86 million, including escalating health insurance costs, transportation expenses, special education costs, and collective bargaining agreement increases.—
Grace Zokovitch,
Boston Herald,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Gutierrez established a GoFundMe account to help offset the family’s expenses.—
Holly Yan,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Penalties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penalties. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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