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

Iranian lawmakers have drafted a bill to regulate traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, including restrictions on certain vessels and penalties for violators, according to Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency. — Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

The unit routinely struggled to make plays in 50-50 ball situations and also gave up far too many first downs due to defensive pass interference or holding penalties. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Aug. 2026

Zambia qualified for their first World Cup in 2022 by defeating Senegal 4-2 on penalties in that year’s WAFCON quarterfinals. — Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 6 Aug. 2026

An inquiry by the consumer protection division could lead to civil penalties, restitution or injunctions, and the division often partners with law enforcement when criminal activity is suspected. — Amber Gaudet, Charlotte Observer, 6 Aug. 2026

The law, signed Wednesday, requires twice-yearly certifications, faster remediation and stiffer penalties for violations. — Elijah Westbrook, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

Tehran will impose penalties on violators equivalent to 20% of the value of cargo aboard a ship. — Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026

Fashanu allowed six sacks and committed three penalties in his second season. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026

The legal penalties for the trial have yet to be determined, but a breakup of Live Nation and Ticketmaster is one possibility. — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026