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 lawsuit seeks civil penalties of up to $10,000 for each violation found of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
—
Andrea Lucia, CBS News, 6 June 2026
Any funds not used for education expenses can remain with the account owner, be transferred to another beneficiary or be rolled into a Roth IRA for the beneficiary, free of income tax or tax penalties.
—Jessica Dickler,greg Iacurci, CNBC, 5 June 2026
Amounts will vary widely among taxpayers, but tax refunds or abatements could be substantial in some cases, particularly for businesses and taxpayers with substantial failure-to-pay penalties.
—Medora Lee, USA Today, 4 June 2026
Upon the passing of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 (OSRA), the FMC was granted more oversight over ocean carriers, namely by enabling them to enforce and levy penalties for Shipping Act violations.
—Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 4 June 2026
The jury also found that Grossman and Erickson acted with malice, potentially triggering a punitive damages phase of trial that could result in further penalties.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 4 June 2026
Defending the government during oral arguments, Assistant to the Solicitor General Vivek Suri described the fine orders as being like indictments rather than final penalties.
—ArsTechnica, 4 June 2026
In response to a question about penalties, the district attorney said Hannah was looking at 30 years.
—Thomas Lake, AJC.com, 4 June 2026
But losing on penalties will still make this moment one of the worst in their career.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
Andrea Lucia, CBS News, 6 June 2026
Any funds not used for education expenses can remain with the account owner, be transferred to another beneficiary or be rolled into a Roth IRA for the beneficiary, free of income tax or tax penalties.
—Jessica Dickler,greg Iacurci, CNBC, 5 June 2026
Amounts will vary widely among taxpayers, but tax refunds or abatements could be substantial in some cases, particularly for businesses and taxpayers with substantial failure-to-pay penalties.
—Medora Lee, USA Today, 4 June 2026
Upon the passing of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 (OSRA), the FMC was granted more oversight over ocean carriers, namely by enabling them to enforce and levy penalties for Shipping Act violations.
—Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 4 June 2026
The jury also found that Grossman and Erickson acted with malice, potentially triggering a punitive damages phase of trial that could result in further penalties.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 4 June 2026
Defending the government during oral arguments, Assistant to the Solicitor General Vivek Suri described the fine orders as being like indictments rather than final penalties.
—ArsTechnica, 4 June 2026
In response to a question about penalties, the district attorney said Hannah was looking at 30 years.
—Thomas Lake, AJC.com, 4 June 2026
But losing on penalties will still make this moment one of the worst in their career.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penalties
Noun
-
The carriers paid their fines and challenged them in circuit appeals courts, where judges’ panels ruled on the cases.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
4 June 2026
-
Drivers across Pennsylvania who use a handheld cellphone behind the wheel can now face fines under Paul Miller's Law, as the one-year warning period for the new hands-free driving law comes to an end.—
Madeleine Wright,
CBS News,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
The punishments included solitary confinement and use of force.—
Julia Bowling,
The Conversation,
29 May 2026
-
Because the costumes are designed by a master, there are hints, cues, little ways that each young lady is able to make her inner self visible, even when it must be done subtlety to avoid the negative attention and terrifying punishments that Gilead’s leadership revels in.—
Rachel Elspeth Gross,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
In comparison, the new players have their own advantages and disadvantages.—
David Szondy
May 31,
New Atlas,
31 May 2026
-
One of the main disadvantages of this strategy is that standardization of products may be unsuccessful for meeting each customer’s needs.—
Ezgi Eyüboğlu,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
If that appeals to you, hop aboard the complimentary shuttle and go to town—guests at the Ocean Club can charge expenses at Atlantis right to their room.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 May 2026
-
The money can help cover medical costs, mental health treatment, lost wages, funeral expenses and more — up to $70,000 in lifetime benefits.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Penalties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penalties. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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