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
On April 28, a New Jersey federal court sentenced Purdue to pay criminal penalties totaling over $5 billion for its role fueling the opioid epidemic.
—
Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 1 May 2026
But Ottawa was whistled for consecutive penalties in the final minute of the frame to hand Boston a chance to answer.
—Jason Cooke, Boston Herald, 1 May 2026
What are the penalties for abandoning vulnerable seniors?
—Alexiah Syrai Olsen, Sacbee.com, 1 May 2026
The penalties are also lower than in many other jurisdictions.
—Charlie Lapastora, CBS News, 1 May 2026
Many legal cannabis businesses in the city are behind on their taxes, collectively owing about $400 million — an amount that includes $100 million in penalties and $35 million in interest, according to an October report from the Office of Finance.
—Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Advertisement China’s one-child policy, which was in place from 1979 to 2015, restricted families to one child; additional children would often lead to fines, loss of benefits, or other penalties.
—Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 30 Apr. 2026
The penalties were imposed in September after an investigation by the sheriff’s internal affairs unit.
—Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
So while the matchups were a factor in the game, their impact was lessened by all the penalties.
—Arpon Basu, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 1 May 2026
But Ottawa was whistled for consecutive penalties in the final minute of the frame to hand Boston a chance to answer.
—Jason Cooke, Boston Herald, 1 May 2026
What are the penalties for abandoning vulnerable seniors?
—Alexiah Syrai Olsen, Sacbee.com, 1 May 2026
The penalties are also lower than in many other jurisdictions.
—Charlie Lapastora, CBS News, 1 May 2026
Many legal cannabis businesses in the city are behind on their taxes, collectively owing about $400 million — an amount that includes $100 million in penalties and $35 million in interest, according to an October report from the Office of Finance.
—Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Advertisement China’s one-child policy, which was in place from 1979 to 2015, restricted families to one child; additional children would often lead to fines, loss of benefits, or other penalties.
—Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 30 Apr. 2026
The penalties were imposed in September after an investigation by the sheriff’s internal affairs unit.
—Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
So while the matchups were a factor in the game, their impact was lessened by all the penalties.
—Arpon Basu, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penalties
Noun
-
Advertisement China’s one-child policy, which was in place from 1979 to 2015, restricted families to one child; additional children would often lead to fines, loss of benefits, or other penalties.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The punishment will likely include 12 months of probation, fees and fines, the completion of a DUI class, and credit for any time spent in custody.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In the wake of Kirk’s murder, and the high-profile punishments incurred by those who weren’t properly remorseful, Kirk morphed into one of the most widespread memes in recent memory.—
Brady Brickner-Wood,
New Yorker,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Those examples from this school year fit into a pattern of fraternity hazing, investigations and punishments that have played out repeatedly in recent years.—
Matthew Kelly
April 23,
Kansas City Star,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Expanding the playoff to 16 teams, for example, would allow for more playoff spots and take some of the disadvantages of tough schedules away from those conferences.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Being inside the Vatican bubble has journalistic advantages and disadvantages.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Fuel is one of the largest expenses for airlines.—
Mae Anderson,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
-
The campaign was created to help ease the financial strain associated with her care, including treatment costs, complementary therapies, travel to medical appointments and everyday living expenses.—
Angelique Brenes,
PEOPLE,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Penalties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penalties. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
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