1
as in fine
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 punishment
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 disadvantage
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 penalty
Getty Images Steele's bill would allow Pennsylvania's Game Commission to legalize hunting on Sundays of its choosing, while outlining new regulations related to hunting, such as trespassing penalties.
—
Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
The lack of penalties has been missing in Buddie’s mind and much of it has to do with the NCAA losing countless legal battles, which led the organization stepping away from enforcing things like improper benefits and stepping aside for the CSC to handle it.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 June 2025
Then, a panel of ethics commissioners will vote on whether violations occurred and what the financial penalties, if any, should be.
—Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
Maresca wants Chelsea’s goalkeeper to be just as comfortable operating outside his penalty area as within it, both to disrupt opposition attacks and to provide an additional passing option in possession.
—Liam Twomey, New York Times, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for penalty
Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
The lack of penalties has been missing in Buddie’s mind and much of it has to do with the NCAA losing countless legal battles, which led the organization stepping away from enforcing things like improper benefits and stepping aside for the CSC to handle it.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 June 2025
Then, a panel of ethics commissioners will vote on whether violations occurred and what the financial penalties, if any, should be.
—Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
Maresca wants Chelsea’s goalkeeper to be just as comfortable operating outside his penalty area as within it, both to disrupt opposition attacks and to provide an additional passing option in possession.
—Liam Twomey, New York Times, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for penalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penalty
Noun
-
Avelino Ramirez, 52, of Vallejo, faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on Sept. 18, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.—
Jason Green,
Mercury News,
13 June 2025
-
The city issued 55 citations during the holiday week, totaling $100,000 in fines, according to a city staff report.—
Mathew Miranda,
Sacbee.com,
13 June 2025
Noun
-
The least successful team members in each episode endures a final punishment.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
9 June 2025
-
Throughout, the novel chips away at its foundational questions: Does there exist a punishment equal to the atrocity of killing one’s child?—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
9 June 2025
Noun
-
Interestingly, the researchers also found that participants who faced greater social disadvantage, due to lower education, lower income, or identifying as an ethnic minority, experienced even greater improvements from performing micro-acts of joy.—
Paul McClure
June 14,
New Atlas,
14 June 2025
-
If on-field results and the at-large selection process in the 5+11 model place the Big 12 at a regular disadvantage, fine.—
Jon Wilner,
Mercury News,
4 June 2025
Noun
-
Does that mean the nine California Republicans, all of whom voted last month for the tax and spending bill, could face his political wrath?—
David Lightman,
Sacbee.com,
5 June 2025
-
More to Read Voices Contributor: Once, international students feared Beijing’s wrath.—
Daniel Miller,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2025
Noun
-
Families can order caskets and urns with next-day delivery, create obituaries with features like memory sharing, service details, and direct donations to charity or the bereaved family to help cover funeral expenses.—
Paul Klein,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
-
The effects of a private education system The World Bank reported in 2023 that 54% of adults in sub-Saharan Africa rank the issue of paying school fees higher than medical bills and other expenses.—
Rodney Muhumuza,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Penalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penalty. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share