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

Those penalties significantly hampered an offense that failed to generate explosive plays. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026

Doing so can result in penalties, attorney fees and enforcement proceedings, according to the ordinance. — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026

The Rules and Bylaws Committee approved last month potential penalties for states that hold contests outside of the order. — Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 23 July 2026

The company said its fund aims to eliminate that barrier so merchants can choose a logistics partner based on growth potential rather than contract penalties. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 23 July 2026

LinkedIn spent 2026 turning the shortcuts you were taught into penalties. — Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Glaringly, though, xAI does not indicate that Harwood received any warnings that his account risked penalties. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2026

Early withdrawal penalties apply, at 90 days of interest for terms of a year or less and 180 days for longer terms. — Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 16 July 2026

Her family sued in February, saying the penalties violated the First Amendment. — Eric Tucker, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026