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 game was especially chippy, as the teams combined for 21 penalties, totaling 78 minutes.
—
CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026
If force is used, resisting arrest can be charged as a Class A misdemeanor, which carries penalties of up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Jan. 2026
Having due dates and penalties should at least be a two-way street.
—John Moorlach, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
There should be no fear of triggering any of the penalties, both financial or baseball-related, that come with surpassing the luxury tax.
—Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
Unfortunately, California’s laws are more like gummy bears than bear traps, barely a slap on the wrist compared to federal and Florida anti-brokering laws that come with the threat of stiff financial penalties and serious prison time.
—Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 12 Jan. 2026
The reinstatement program allows golfers who have been away from the PGA Tour for at least two years to apply for a return under certain conditions and penalties.
—Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 12 Jan. 2026
For example, other lenders charge for prepayment penalties, which Gravity doesn’t.
—Liz Knueven, CNBC, 12 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
CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026
If force is used, resisting arrest can be charged as a Class A misdemeanor, which carries penalties of up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Jan. 2026
Having due dates and penalties should at least be a two-way street.
—John Moorlach, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
There should be no fear of triggering any of the penalties, both financial or baseball-related, that come with surpassing the luxury tax.
—Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
Unfortunately, California’s laws are more like gummy bears than bear traps, barely a slap on the wrist compared to federal and Florida anti-brokering laws that come with the threat of stiff financial penalties and serious prison time.
—Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 12 Jan. 2026
The reinstatement program allows golfers who have been away from the PGA Tour for at least two years to apply for a return under certain conditions and penalties.
—Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 12 Jan. 2026
For example, other lenders charge for prepayment penalties, which Gravity doesn’t.
—Liz Knueven, CNBC, 12 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penalties
Noun
-
Not turning on your blinkers when turning could result in fines up to $200.—
Isa Almeida,
Oklahoman,
15 Jan. 2026
-
For instance, the California Air Resources Board may rely on administrative law judges in lieu of civil court proceedings to impose fines totalling up to $100,000, or $300,000 for some fuel violations.—
CalMatters,
Mercury News,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The investigation led to punishments for Mass State Police detectives, and the feds opened a probe into the county’s murder investigation.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Zanelli has the right to respond to the charges and could have a public trial before the Court of Judicial Discipline, which could determine if the charges were proven and what punishments to levy.—
Joe Brandt,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
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
-
Under the league’s proposal, players would receive in excess of 70% of net revenue — though that would be their take of the profits after expenses are paid.—
Doug Feinberg,
Twin Cities,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Winner is responsible for all applicable federal, state and local taxes, if any, as well as any other costs and expenses associated with Prize acceptance and use not specified herein as being provided.—
AJC.com,
AJC.com,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Penalties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penalties. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
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