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 Future of Football The NFL has introduced stricter concussion protocols, penalties for high-risk tackles, as well as better gear and cutting full-contact practice to once a week. — Alexandra Pattillo, Scientific American, 23 Sep. 2026

United, which operates a major hub at Newark, issued one following Monday’s disruptions, and other carriers have allowed some travelers to change flights without the usual penalties. — Bailey Berg, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026

Raphinha played in all five of the Brazilian team’s matches at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, in which the team lost to Croatia on penalties in the quarterfinal. — Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Sep. 2026

Fees can be surprisingly costly, so be sure there aren't any early payment penalties and pay attention to origination fees. — Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026

Throughout Zahnd’s tenure, Platte County developed a reputation for harsher penalties and sentences. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026

Deadline hears that Paramount has agreed to some CNN guardrails, financial penalties linked to CEO David Ellison‘s 30 movies a year commitment, and some sort of separation of the studios for a period. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 21 Sep. 2026

The House is embarking on its last days in session before breaking for the midterms, with a final vote expected Wednesday on a bill ratcheting up penalties on Russia. — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Most of the team’s seven penalties came on the offensive side of the ball, including a handful that wiped out scoring opportunities. — Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026