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
In the end, Reid believed the Chiefs offense struggled most with penalties and turnovers in critical situations, along with a short-term, costly bout of receiver drops.
—
Jesse Newell, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Detroit took back-to-back penalties, but Ottawa failed to capitalize and gave up a short-handed goal on a Giroux giveaway that led to a 2-on-1 with Rasmussen beating Hunter Shepard, who gave up two goals on 12 shots.
—CBS News, 6 Jan. 2026
As a result, meth offenses today come with the toughest penalties of any drug, even deadly fentanyl.
—Kevin Krause, Dallas Morning News, 6 Jan. 2026
However, many drug harm reduction and recovery advocates in Illinois as well as across the nation have condemned this reclassification, fearing that the language implies someone struggling with addiction could face harsher penalties for using fentanyl.
—Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026
The Patriots went just 17 yards after the turnover, with 15 yards subtracted by penalties.
—Doug Kyed, Hartford Courant, 5 Jan. 2026
The airline is allowing passengers to change, cancel, or refund their flights without any penalties and has advised them to visit the website or app to check the status of flights or to explore alternative options.
—Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
Some lawmakers have also introduced bills that would impose financial penalties on members of Congress during a shutdown or hold off their pay.
—Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 10 Nov. 2025
Jesse Newell, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Detroit took back-to-back penalties, but Ottawa failed to capitalize and gave up a short-handed goal on a Giroux giveaway that led to a 2-on-1 with Rasmussen beating Hunter Shepard, who gave up two goals on 12 shots.
—CBS News, 6 Jan. 2026
As a result, meth offenses today come with the toughest penalties of any drug, even deadly fentanyl.
—Kevin Krause, Dallas Morning News, 6 Jan. 2026
However, many drug harm reduction and recovery advocates in Illinois as well as across the nation have condemned this reclassification, fearing that the language implies someone struggling with addiction could face harsher penalties for using fentanyl.
—Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026
The Patriots went just 17 yards after the turnover, with 15 yards subtracted by penalties.
—Doug Kyed, Hartford Courant, 5 Jan. 2026
The airline is allowing passengers to change, cancel, or refund their flights without any penalties and has advised them to visit the website or app to check the status of flights or to explore alternative options.
—Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
Some lawmakers have also introduced bills that would impose financial penalties on members of Congress during a shutdown or hold off their pay.
—Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 10 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penalties
Noun
-
Businesses that host these performances are subject to $10,000 fines, while performers found in violation of Senate Bill 12 can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor.—
Abby Monteil,
Them.,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Not to mention, Fair Havens generated a bevy of lawsuits and fines under Esformes’ leadership.—
Kevin G. Hall,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The passage of Proposition 36, a tougher-on-crime law that placed stricter punishments on repeat drug and theft offenders, has given both agencies more opportunities to try to help those in custody suffering from drug addiction.—
Nathaniel Percy,
Oc Register,
7 Nov. 2025
-
The league has noticeably grown more strict regarding punishments for hip-drop tackles.—
Reice Shipley,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The program performed extremely well across key demographics and platforms, despite industry and timing disadvantages, including a Tuesday air date two days before Christmas.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
1 Jan. 2026
-
But lighting alone isn't enough to deter all criminals, and there are some disadvantages to leaving the lights blazing all night long.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
20 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Different food hubs help farmers cut expenses by providing a variety of resources, such as warehousing, transportation and delivery, education, marketing, contract management and some even provide supplies to farmers.—
Cristina LaRue,
Arkansas Online,
9 Nov. 2025
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Over the last 18 months, costs have risen around 20%, largely due to inflation and labor costs, but tariffs implemented earlier this year have also added to higher operational expenses.—
Amalia Roy,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Penalties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penalties. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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