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
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Recent Examples of penalty
At age 59-1/2, the early withdrawal penalty no long applies.
—
Medora Lee,
USA Today,
20 June 2026
Clay is sentenced to five years in prison and fined $10,000, the maximum penalty for the offense.
—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
If Dumerlus is sentenced to the maximum penalty (Trump would surely prefer the death penalty, but Canada opposes it), the country with the maple leaf will be viewed favorably by the president.
—
Voice Of The People,
New York Daily News,
20 June 2026
Kolo Muani was brought down in the penalty area after an incisive run and Mbappe converted the spot kick.
—
Will Jeanes,
New York Times,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for penalty
Medora Lee,
USA Today,
20 June 2026
Clay is sentenced to five years in prison and fined $10,000, the maximum penalty for the offense.
—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
If Dumerlus is sentenced to the maximum penalty (Trump would surely prefer the death penalty, but Canada opposes it), the country with the maple leaf will be viewed favorably by the president.
—
Voice Of The People,
New York Daily News,
20 June 2026
Kolo Muani was brought down in the penalty area after an incisive run and Mbappe converted the spot kick.
—
Will Jeanes,
New York Times,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for penalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penalty
Noun
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If convicted, King could serve anywhere from two to 10 years in prison, and pay up to a $10,000 fine, Judge John Wilson Weeks told the jury pool ahead of the selection process.
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No fines, like what FIFA imposed on six national football associations in response to racist incidents involving supporters during the qualifiers for the World Cup.
Noun
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Guéhi avoided punishment, though the FA prohibits players from displaying religious messages.
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The team did not immediately respond to an email asking who the players were, whether the players would speak to Fox News and whether there would be further punishment for the players.
Noun
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Consider both carefully, then, as each comes with significant advantages and disadvantages in today's economy.
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Circumstances have put them at every possible disadvantage.
Noun
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The lawsuit also seeks unspecified financial damages.
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The lawsuit seeks more than $1 million in damages.
Noun
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Anthropic has advocated for more stringent AI regulations — at times incurring the wrath of the Pentagon and White House — while OpenAI has pushed a more hands-off approach.
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Armed with a name, Polyphemus is able to call down his father’s wrath on Odysseus.
Noun
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After former President Joe Biden issued a presidential disaster declaration for the fire, residents were able to apply for emergency federal financial assistance and benefits, which included money for home repairs, personal property damage, transportation, medical expenses and housing assistance.
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Winner is responsible for all applicable federal, state, and local taxes, if any, as well as any other costs and expenses associated with Prize acceptance and use not specified herein as being provided.
Cite this Entry
“Penalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penalty. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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