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 parents, represented by the law firm Rosen Saba, demand a jury trial, exemplary and punitive damages and civil and statutory penalties. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 9 July 2026

Last year’s actual bonus spending — teams face penalties for exceeding their pools — again broke a record at more than $392 million. — Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026

Additionally, the Raptors’ ownership group must assume the risk of penalties related to Leonard’s contract that could theoretically result from the ongoing investigation before the deal can be done. — Janis Carr, Oc Register, 9 July 2026

The penalties were enhanced based on his prior state convictions, according to officials. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026

Monetary penalties for exceeding the luxury tax threshold are greater than before. — Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 9 July 2026

An extra forward to kill penalties Panthers coach Paul Maurice has shown a tendency to utilize his fourth-line center on the penalty kill. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 8 July 2026

Switzerland, also unbeaten, eliminated Colombia on penalties to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 1954. — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Taxpayers seeking abatement of unpaid penalties or interest may still use Form 843, but the electronic filing option appears limited to claims involving amounts already paid. — Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026