1
as in fines
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 punishments
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 disadvantages
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 penalties
Taxpayers who need more time can request a six-month filing extension — but any taxes owed must still be paid by the April deadline to avoid penalties and interest.
—
Hali Smith
april 4, Idaho Statesman, 4 Apr. 2026
The penalties imposed on attorney Stephen Brigandi include $15,500 in disciplinary sanctions and nearly $80,500 in opposing counsel’s legal fees.
—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
Trump spent most of the first year of his second term using trade penalties as a weapon that would force other countries to bend to his will.
—Steven Sloan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
The financial penalties to date have been minimal — less than $400 million in damages between the two verdicts last week — but the cases establish a troubling precedent for tech giants that are betting their future on AI.
—Jennifer Elias,jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2026
In addition, penalties and interest continue to accrue, which can increase your total debt over time.
—Rebecca Safier, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026
The company could face even more penalties in a second phase of the trial set to start in May, over whether Meta created a public nuisance.
—Shannon Bond, NPR, 3 Apr. 2026
Fund the enforcement, strengthen the penalties, mandate identity verification above meaningful trading thresholds—but keep prediction markets open.
—Nic Puckrin, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026
Review how much the principal is, and how much interest and penalties will accumulate.
—Kat Tretina, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2026
Hali Smith
april 4, Idaho Statesman, 4 Apr. 2026
The penalties imposed on attorney Stephen Brigandi include $15,500 in disciplinary sanctions and nearly $80,500 in opposing counsel’s legal fees.
—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
Trump spent most of the first year of his second term using trade penalties as a weapon that would force other countries to bend to his will.
—Steven Sloan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
The financial penalties to date have been minimal — less than $400 million in damages between the two verdicts last week — but the cases establish a troubling precedent for tech giants that are betting their future on AI.
—Jennifer Elias,jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2026
In addition, penalties and interest continue to accrue, which can increase your total debt over time.
—Rebecca Safier, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026
The company could face even more penalties in a second phase of the trial set to start in May, over whether Meta created a public nuisance.
—Shannon Bond, NPR, 3 Apr. 2026
Fund the enforcement, strengthen the penalties, mandate identity verification above meaningful trading thresholds—but keep prediction markets open.
—Nic Puckrin, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026
Review how much the principal is, and how much interest and penalties will accumulate.
—Kat Tretina, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penalties
Noun
-
The Manteca Fire Department is taking action and trying to get ahead of this fire season by asking residents to reduce fire danger or face fines.—
Carmela Karcher,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The state allowed New Era to renew its license, settling for what appears to be $14,000 in fines.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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As punishments, the girl was required to write Bible verses and tread water for as long as 45 minutes.—
Angie DiMichele,
Sun Sentinel,
1 Apr. 2026
-
The victim in the case reported that she was subjected to more frequent punishments and restrictions than the couple's six other children.—
Abby Dodge,
CBS News,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
For hitters, there are advantages and disadvantages, and the time of challenges is important — both in the count and when, in the course of a game, a dispute might be raised.—
Neil Nakahodo,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Yet access is uneven, and many countries outside these major power centers face structural disadvantages.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
While bonds are used to pay for projects, governments typically use tax levies to pay for operating expenses like wages, health care or utilities.—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
4 Apr. 2026
-
To pay for the various expenses of running a rescue, Ruth began attending reptile expos.—
Julian Camejo,
Miami Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Penalties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penalties. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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