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 repeal followed Congress’s zeroing out of penalties for violating Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) targets as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
—
Julian Torres, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026
The 5200 process can be initiated by anybody concerned about someone who is gravely disabled or a danger to themselves or others (with misdemeanor penalties for abuse of the reporting privilege).
—Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026
The small and middle market clubs can’t compete with that and even the larger market teams can’t substantiate the significant luxury tax penalties which the Dodgers and Mets have no problem with.
—Bill Madden, New York Daily News, 21 Feb. 2026
Before long, Tkachuk and his brother Brady were walking together to the locker room, both with 10-minute misconduct penalties.
—Chris Kudialis, Miami Herald, 21 Feb. 2026
Undocumented immigrants who are arrested would have a harder time making bail and face greater penalties for election crimes under a bill from Reynolds.
—Stephen Gruber-Miller, Des Moines Register, 20 Feb. 2026
Both teams are down a player early due to penalties early in the second period with Auston Matthews drawing a two-minute penalty for hooking.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 20 Feb. 2026
On top of that, may be subject to penalties of up to $15,000, TSA PreCheck eligibility could be revoked for at least 5 years, and you may be required to undergo enhanced screening in the future.
—Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 20 Feb. 2026
The attorney general is seeking a temporary restraining order, injunctive relief, and monetary penalties exceeding $1 million.
—Doug Myers, CBS News, 20 Feb. 2026
Julian Torres, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026
The 5200 process can be initiated by anybody concerned about someone who is gravely disabled or a danger to themselves or others (with misdemeanor penalties for abuse of the reporting privilege).
—Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026
The small and middle market clubs can’t compete with that and even the larger market teams can’t substantiate the significant luxury tax penalties which the Dodgers and Mets have no problem with.
—Bill Madden, New York Daily News, 21 Feb. 2026
Before long, Tkachuk and his brother Brady were walking together to the locker room, both with 10-minute misconduct penalties.
—Chris Kudialis, Miami Herald, 21 Feb. 2026
Undocumented immigrants who are arrested would have a harder time making bail and face greater penalties for election crimes under a bill from Reynolds.
—Stephen Gruber-Miller, Des Moines Register, 20 Feb. 2026
Both teams are down a player early due to penalties early in the second period with Auston Matthews drawing a two-minute penalty for hooking.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 20 Feb. 2026
On top of that, may be subject to penalties of up to $15,000, TSA PreCheck eligibility could be revoked for at least 5 years, and you may be required to undergo enhanced screening in the future.
—Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 20 Feb. 2026
The attorney general is seeking a temporary restraining order, injunctive relief, and monetary penalties exceeding $1 million.
—Doug Myers, CBS News, 20 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penalties
Noun
-
After months of investigating allegations of a $140 million Ponzi scheme, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger's office has made numerous criminal referrals and issued $1 million in fines, ensnaring a number of state GOP figures.—
Olivia Rubin,
ABC News,
26 Feb. 2026
-
The fines for violating the law will jump to a maximum of $750 for a first offense, up from the current $100 and up to $2,000 or more for a third offense, up from the current maximum of $500.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Enhancements result in harsher punishments for the charges, such as extra prison time.—
Tracy Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Feb. 2026
-
But students and parents told the Star-Telegram those punishments were never handed out.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Hanjiro still thinks highly of them both, although each pupil faces disadvantages.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
-
The war in Ukraine has only deepened Russia’s disadvantages.—
Alan Cullison,
The Atlantic,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Cities in decent financial health customarily don’t float bonds to cover operational expenses such as legal settlements and compensation for workers.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Feb. 2026
-
But large numbers across income levels also say larger expenses and the cost of things associated with an enjoyable life — including taking a weeklong vacation — are out of reach.—
Isabelle Gibson,
Washington Post,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Penalties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penalties. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
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