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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of penalties
The Justice Department, in its defense of the tariffs, has highlighted the expansive way Trump has used them, arguing that the trade penalties are part of his power over foreign affairs, an area where the courts should not second-guess the president.
—
Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 3 Nov. 2025
Violating the law could result in various penalties depending on the severity of the situation, including fines or jail time.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Nov. 2025
And similar to hockey, penalties can lead to power play situations in which one team is undermanned.
—Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2025
But lower courts have ruled Trump overstepped his authority to impose tariffs under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which was historically used to impose economic sanctions and other penalties on foreign enemies.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
The first team to win two games (either in regulation or penalties; there are no draws) will go through to the conference semifinals, and if there’s a need for a third game, it will be hosted by the team with the better seed.
—Avi Creditor, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
More importantly for automakers’ bottom lines, the financial penalties for not meeting fuel efficiency rules have all but vanished.
—Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
In 2021, the state implemented several new and stricter penalties for hazing after 19-year-old Timothy Piazza, a New Jersey resident, died after being forced to drink copious amounts of alcohol while attending Penn State University.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Most notably, Williams had two intentional grounding penalties in the game.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 3 Nov. 2025
Violating the law could result in various penalties depending on the severity of the situation, including fines or jail time.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Nov. 2025
And similar to hockey, penalties can lead to power play situations in which one team is undermanned.
—Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2025
But lower courts have ruled Trump overstepped his authority to impose tariffs under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which was historically used to impose economic sanctions and other penalties on foreign enemies.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
The first team to win two games (either in regulation or penalties; there are no draws) will go through to the conference semifinals, and if there’s a need for a third game, it will be hosted by the team with the better seed.
—Avi Creditor, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
More importantly for automakers’ bottom lines, the financial penalties for not meeting fuel efficiency rules have all but vanished.
—Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
In 2021, the state implemented several new and stricter penalties for hazing after 19-year-old Timothy Piazza, a New Jersey resident, died after being forced to drink copious amounts of alcohol while attending Penn State University.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Most notably, Williams had two intentional grounding penalties in the game.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penalties
Noun
-
The city passed new rules in April quadrupling the fines on developers for unauthorized cutting of trees.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 Oct. 2025
-
If convicted, the suspects could face a prison sentence of up to 15 years and heavy fines, the outlet reported.—
Becca Longmire,
PEOPLE,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Arbitrary rulemaking and punishments, absurdism and fringe beliefs are part and parcel of Lanthimos’ storytelling.—
Thomas Page,
CNN Money,
24 Oct. 2025
-
The college football season has now reached its midway point, and while numerous punishments have already been handed down to programs this year—most stemming from field-storming incidents—Tuesday brought a notable enforcement under a different policy.—
Cole Sullivan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Actual research on the topic is still uneven, however, and a study published last year indicated trans women who take hormone therapy may face significant disadvantages compared to their cis peers in metrics like vertical leap and oxygen consumption.—
Samantha Riedel,
Them.,
27 Oct. 2025
-
When asked about potential disadvantages, Roberson said officials hear from educators who can be reluctant to adjust lesson plans.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The actor’s sister, Tyree Trice, confirmed his death on a GoFundMe page set up to help with funeral expenses and support his four children.—
Samantha Cookinham,
NBC news,
31 Oct. 2025
-
While working on the project, costs ballooned unexpectedly—reaching well over six figures—and this doctrine became an important reminder when justifying the expenses.—
Michelle Duncan,
Architectural Digest,
31 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Penalties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penalties. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share