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
The penalties are civil infractions that start at $200 and escalate for violators who refuse to comply after being warned.
—
Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 June 2025
The penalty for an aggravated DUI is up to 15 years in prison, $5,000 fine, 5-year driver’s license suspension and restitution, according to Canyon County.
—Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 24 June 2025
Restricting access to stores that sell the products for people under 21, and penalties for stores that don’t comply.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 June 2025
But in the last several years, especially with the makeup of the General Assembly becoming more progressive, lawmakers let the penalty enhancement provisions expire, made the diversion program permanent and removed its age restriction.
—Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for penalty
Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 June 2025
The penalty for an aggravated DUI is up to 15 years in prison, $5,000 fine, 5-year driver’s license suspension and restitution, according to Canyon County.
—Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 24 June 2025
Restricting access to stores that sell the products for people under 21, and penalties for stores that don’t comply.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 June 2025
But in the last several years, especially with the makeup of the General Assembly becoming more progressive, lawmakers let the penalty enhancement provisions expire, made the diversion program permanent and removed its age restriction.
—Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for penalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penalty
Noun
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By contrast, TikTok, which is still owned by Chinese parent company ByteDance, received a lesser fine of $600 million that same year.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
25 June 2025
-
James Beard baggers won’t want to miss Birch (farm-to-table fine), Odd Duck (global small plates), Bavette La Boucherie (oh, that muffuletta), and the many Bartolotta restaurants (from Francophile to steakhouse).—
Elaine Glusac,
AFAR Media,
25 June 2025
Noun
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The most extreme punishment the 24-year-old could receive is a ban spanning four years.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
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While many see Juneteenth as an opportunity to celebrate freedom, the truth is that slavery still exists today, in prisons around the country, due to the loophole in the 13th Amendment that permits enslavement as punishment for a crime.—
Nuri Kino,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 June 2025
Noun
-
Beadle is at a distinct disadvantage in aspiring to one spot where Brighton have an abundance of depth.—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
27 June 2025
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The state’s labor costs also put California’s growers at a disadvantage.—
Dan Walters,
Mercury News,
25 June 2025
Noun
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The congresswoman, who is up for reelection next year, risks Trump's wrath and may hinder her chances in the 2026 midterms.—
Khaleda Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 June 2025
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The shooting and cellphone footage that captured the moment when Armstrong was shot has drawn the ire of family members and the wrath of community organizations that make up the Healing and Justice Center in Miami.—
Charles Rabin,
Miami Herald,
17 May 2025
Noun
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Numerous reasons exist for why getting a driver’s license is either more challenging today or may not provide sufficient benefits, including the licensing process, the expense of vehicle ownership and maintenance and safety concerns.—
Selika Josiah Talbott,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
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Despite the costs of containment, USDA economists estimate that maintaining the eradication program delivers annual economic benefits exceeding $1 billion—far outweighing the expense of operations like the COPEG fly factory in Panama.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Penalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penalty. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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