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
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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
Miami’s whole performance was littered with errors, miscues and costly penalties, and the Dolphins have plenty of work to do going forward.
—
Ben Morse, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
Palmer said the penalties in interest are being waived for most of the claims, except for fraud.
—Adrienne Roberts, Freep.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Attorney General Pam Bondi said prosecutors would seek a maximum penalty for Brown, who faces life in prison or the death penalty, according to the DOJ.
—Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Referees immediately threw a flag, and Carter was ejected after an unsportsmanlike penalty was called.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for penalty
Ben Morse, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
Palmer said the penalties in interest are being waived for most of the claims, except for fraud.
—Adrienne Roberts, Freep.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Attorney General Pam Bondi said prosecutors would seek a maximum penalty for Brown, who faces life in prison or the death penalty, according to the DOJ.
—Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Referees immediately threw a flag, and Carter was ejected after an unsportsmanlike penalty was called.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for penalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penalty
Noun
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All told, Norfolk Southern shelled out well north of $1 billion in settlements, fines, and other fees to clean up in and around East Palestine.—
Jeremy Lott,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Sep. 2025
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The fine is certainly a drop in the bucket for the entertainment giant, but the corrective measure is certainly a win for data privacy.—
Alan Henry,
PC Magazine,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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That the Sky’s punishment will last longer than five minutes is merely a reflection of their place in the standings.—
Sabreena Merchant,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
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Inter Miami players Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Tomas Aviles, and Seattle Sounders staff member Steven Lenhart, received multiple game suspensions from the 2026 Leagues Cup as punishment for their behavior during a post-game brawl following Sunday’s Leagues Cup final.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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That is a real problem which of course… to prevent wealth from killing people—your success turning into a disadvantage—is a big problem in business.—
Shivaram Rajgopal,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
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The lawyer said a lack of online presence as a result of a disabled account put him at a competitive disadvantage.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The judge declined to grant substantial monetary damages to the husband, however.—
Evan Mealins,
The Tennessean,
10 Sep. 2025
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The complaint says McNeil suffered a range of injuries from the incident, including a concussion, and seeks $200,000 in damages.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The New York Yankees are suddenly the hottest team in the American League, and the Chicago White Sox have become the latest team to feel their wrath.—
Jackson Roberts,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Aug. 2025
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Some people work out at the gym, while others start doomscrolling, meanwhile, those with competing priorities and tight deadlines often raise their voices at those who don't deserve your wrath.—
Dr. Cynthia J. Young,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Ocasio-Cortez reported the travel expense shortly after a one-day Salt Lake City rally with Sanders.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
7 Sep. 2025
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For the tax year 2025, the standard mileage rate is 21 cents per mile driven for moving expenses.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Penalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penalty. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
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