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

The initiative would also impose penalties on nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Centers that spend less than 90% of their revenue on program services. — Chelsea Hylton, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026

Last month, Meta was ordered to pay $25 billion in penalties by a New Mexico court as part of a data privacy case that stemmed from the company's Cambridge Analytica scandal from nearly a decade ago. — Julia Boorstin, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2026

The Dolphins were 1 of 2 in the red zone, had six penalties for 50 yards (New England had seven for 46 yards), and tied in the turnover battle, 1-1. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026

Quarterback chaos, a season-high four turnovers, a slew of penalties and a critical special teams gaffe added up to a 27-8 loss and sixth straight defeat in the rivalry. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026

When targets are not met, the office would work with the organization on corrective actions and, as a final step, could levy progressive financial penalties on organizations that did not fall within these thresholds. — Paul Markovich, STAT, 2 Nov. 2026

The Chiefs were called for eight penalties for 75 yards, and four resulted in a Broncos first down. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026

The Commanders committed nine penalties for 70 yards in their 27-10 win at Northwest Stadium. — Tashan Reed, Washington Post, 2 Nov. 2026

To cure this deficiency, SED needs statutory authority and staff to conduct investigations and the ability to exact financial penalties on violators. — David Bloomfield, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026