Synonyms of penalties

penalties

noun

plural of penalty

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

• fines
• forfeitures
• damages
• forfeits
• mulcts
• compensations
• awards
• reparations
• indemnities
• assessments

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

• punishments
• wraths
• sentences
• corrections
• disciplines
• chastisements
• fines
• castigations
• deserts
• condemnations
• retributions
• nemeses
• reprisals
• comeuppances
• reprimands
• retaliations
• assessments
• charges
• examples
• revenges
• criticisms
• imprisonments
• mulcts
• vengeances
• censures
• incarcerations
• confinements
• denouncements
• rebukes
• reproofs
• damnations

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• indemnities
• exemptions
• pardons
• amnesties
• immunities
• paroles
• acquittals
• exonerations
• vindications
• releases
• exculpations
• commutations
• impunities
• remissions
• reprieves
• absolutions
• disregards
• remitments
• condonations

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

• disadvantages
• expenses
• losses
• damages
• despites
• injuries
• detriments
• deficits
• deprivations
• harms
• prejudices
• disfavors
• hurts

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• advantages
• gains
• favors

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of penalties

Barranquilla defeated Junior 5-3 on penalties to advance to the round of 16 of the Copa Colombia, following a 3-3 draw that left the aggregate score over two legs at 5-5. — Sam Joseph, New York Times, 30 July 2026

The legal penalties for the trial have yet to be determined, but a breakup of Live Nation and Ticketmaster is one possibility. — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026

Unless previously deported, living in the country illegally is considered a civil violation rather than a crime and carries penalties such as arrests, fines and deportation proceedings. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

The decision to forgo heavier armor likely reflects the mobility penalties associated with these modifications. — Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Buying a non-approved coin or taking the metal home can trigger a taxable distribution, plus additional taxes or penalties. — USA Today, 28 July 2026

The contracts included standard union protections like overtime pay, eligibility for the Motion Picture Industry Pension and Health Plan, meal penalties, rest periods and turnaround times. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 28 July 2026

Those penalties significantly hampered an offense that failed to generate explosive plays. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026

The Rules and Bylaws Committee approved last month potential penalties for states that hold contests outside of the order. — Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 23 July 2026