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
The felony carries a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison.
—
Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 18 July 2025
In the Senate, Blumenthal is part of a bipartisan group of lawmakers pushing for new penalties on Russia to end the war with Ukraine.
—Claudia Grisales, NPR, 18 July 2025
Rapids forward Rafael Navarro drew two penalties back to back on consecutive attacks.
—Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 17 July 2025
Additional penalties could be added per violation if a tenant is older than 65 or is disabled.
—Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for penalty
Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 18 July 2025
In the Senate, Blumenthal is part of a bipartisan group of lawmakers pushing for new penalties on Russia to end the war with Ukraine.
—Claudia Grisales, NPR, 18 July 2025
Rapids forward Rafael Navarro drew two penalties back to back on consecutive attacks.
—Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 17 July 2025
Additional penalties could be added per violation if a tenant is older than 65 or is disabled.
—Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for penalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penalty
Noun
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Disrupting a flight or interfering with crew members and attendants can lead to serious consequences, including steep fines and potential jail time.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
People.com,
19 July 2025
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Failure to comply with the law could be punished by up to a year in jail and a $5,000 fine.—
Jack Birle,
The Washington Examiner,
18 July 2025
Noun
-
Mackenzie sued, arguing that under the Constitution, her American birth gave her citizenship as a right, not a privilege, to be removed only as punishment for a crime or through voluntary expatriation.—
Marcia Biederman,
Hartford Courant,
13 July 2025
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For years, state and local authorities have struggled to police these operations, hampered by limited resources and weak criminal punishments that allow arcade owners to brush off law-enforcement interference, the news organizations found.—
Josh Salman,
Miami Herald,
11 July 2025
Noun
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Here are the key advantages and disadvantages to consider before incorporating AI into your job search strategy.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
20 July 2025
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There is such a variety of options for manicures, and each type has distinct advantages and disadvantages.—
Rebecca Dancer,
Allure,
18 July 2025
Noun
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Arriving in 2014 – after earning the wrath of the Egyptian government for covering the Arab Spring as a freelance journalist – one of Greater Cincinnati’s newest immigration detainees has lived in Oregon, Chicago and Cincinnati.—
Patricia Gallagher Newberry,
The Enquirer,
11 July 2025
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Democrats weren’t the only ones to feel the wrath of Minaj on Tuesday.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
9 July 2025
Noun
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Prosecutors allege that Measures used that money, which was held in an escrow account for clients, to pay for personal and operating expenses, pay off creditors, Four Seasons spa treatments, clothing, car payments and at least $55,000 for Los Angeles Crypto Arena seats.—
Caitlin Huston,
HollywoodReporter,
15 July 2025
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Funds become accessible at 18 for qualified expenses, with broader withdrawal options phased in over time.—
James Broughel,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Penalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penalty. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.
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