Synonyms of penalty

penalty

noun

ˈpe-nᵊl-tē 

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

• fine
• damages
• forfeiture
• compensation
• forfeit
• mulct
• reparations
• award
• indemnity
• assessment

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

• punishment
• wrath
• sentence
• correction
• discipline
• chastisement
• castigation
• comeuppance
• condemnation
• retribution
• nemesis
• retaliation
• desert(s)
• fine
• revenge
• reprimand
• vengeance
• assessment
• reprisal
• imprisonment
• example
• criticism
• charge
• confinement
• incarceration
• damnation
• censure
• mulct
• denouncement
• rebuke
• reproof

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• indemnity
• parole
• amnesty
• pardon
• exemption
• acquittal
• exoneration
• immunity
• vindication
• impunity
• commutation
• exculpation
• release
• forgiveness
• reprieve
• remission
• absolution
• disregard
• condonation
• remitment
• overlooking

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

• disadvantage
• expense
• loss
• despite
• injury
• deficit
• detriment
• damage
• deprivation
• harm
• disfavor
• prejudice
• hurt

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• advantage
• favor
• gain

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of penalty

In the Premier League, the share of attacking throw-ins has been on the rise for the past four seasons, with 13 per cent of throw-ins in the final third played into the penalty area last season. — George Edwards, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Civil penalties for noncompliance could run as high as $20 million per day. — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 24 July 2026

The original felony carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, but the misdemeanor’s maximum sentence is one year in county jail. — Emily Carmela Nelson, Idaho Statesman, 24 July 2026

LinkedIn's 2026 algorithm updates penalize old content strategies, turning past shortcuts into penalties. — Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026