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
His eagerness to get on the ball, even in his own half, the two nerveless penalties, and the blistering finish for his third goal would all suggest not.
—
Cerys Jones, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026
Barry said the new penalties are being enacted to coincide with the town’s passage of new rules dealing with nuisances and stormwater issues.
—Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
If the concerns are not addressed or violations recur, PP&D is able to initiate administrative review proceedings before a hearings officer, who may uphold the land-use agreement, modify its stipulations, impose penalties, or outright revoke the permit.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 7 Feb. 2026
Davis was referring to Senate Bill 4, a 2017 state law that bars local governments from limiting enforcement of federal immigration laws and allows penalties — including removal from office — for officials who do.
—Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026
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.
—Sacbee.com, 6 Feb. 2026
The Golden Knights won despite taking six penalties, though one was a fighting major shared by both teams.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Increasingly, schools in California excessively coddle students by neglecting to impose penalties for late work, eliminating the possibility for a failing grade, and unlimited opportunities to redo exams and assignments.
—Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026
Those penalties increase if any injuries or deaths are caused by a crash due to texting and driving.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 31 Jan. 2026
Cerys Jones, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026
Barry said the new penalties are being enacted to coincide with the town’s passage of new rules dealing with nuisances and stormwater issues.
—Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
If the concerns are not addressed or violations recur, PP&D is able to initiate administrative review proceedings before a hearings officer, who may uphold the land-use agreement, modify its stipulations, impose penalties, or outright revoke the permit.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 7 Feb. 2026
Davis was referring to Senate Bill 4, a 2017 state law that bars local governments from limiting enforcement of federal immigration laws and allows penalties — including removal from office — for officials who do.
—Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026
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.
—Sacbee.com, 6 Feb. 2026
The Golden Knights won despite taking six penalties, though one was a fighting major shared by both teams.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Increasingly, schools in California excessively coddle students by neglecting to impose penalties for late work, eliminating the possibility for a failing grade, and unlimited opportunities to redo exams and assignments.
—Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026
Those penalties increase if any injuries or deaths are caused by a crash due to texting and driving.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 31 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penalties
Noun
-
If convicted on all counts, Johnson could face up to 35 years and three months in prison and up to $80,000 in fines.—
Adrienne Davis,
jsonline.com,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Langstraat Bui’s passion for lifelong learning was reflected in her support of the 81 Club initiative, a partnership with Chicago Public Schools that gives every student a library card, without fines and late fees being a barrier to access.—
Darcel Rockett,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
But studies show that punishments are ineffective at reducing substance use and can lead to poorer health outcomes for women, newborns, and families.—
Shoshana Walter,
CBS News,
10 Feb. 2026
-
That left the Clintons with little choice but to agree to testify or face one of the most severe punishments Congress can give.—
Stephen Groves,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
And yet, such disadvantages might have been overcome, especially in urban settings, had there been the vision and will among America’s industrialists.—
Bill Gourgey,
Popular Science,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Bedpan cons That being said, there are a few disadvantages to using bedpans.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Location shoots in the metropolitan region or in the capital can apply for a 30% reimbursement for local expenses and 40% for location shoots in the rest of the country.—
Anna Marie de la Fuente,
Variety,
13 Feb. 2026
-
The defendants — Jed Wood of Fort Worth; Royana Thomas of Arlington; Joshua Link of Stafford, Missouri; Tia Link of Smithton, Missouri; and Taylor Bang of Kildeer, North Dakota — are accused of using investors’ money to purchase real property and for personal expenses.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Penalties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penalties. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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