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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of penalty
The Dodgers’ total payroll for 2025 will likely exceed $500 million, including penalties, according to ESPN — not to mention the more than $1 billion in salary deferred to years in the future.
—
Alex Sherman, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2025
The rewrite was based on input from the Trump administration and, in part, created a mandatory death penalty for an undocumented immigrant who commits a capital crime such as raping a minor.
—Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2025
Nielsen was legendary in his own right, having won Goalkeeper of the Year and the famous penalty shootout victories in the 2012 U.S. Open Cup Final and 2013 MLS Cup Final.
—Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 29 Jan. 2025
Her conviction carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, CBS News reports.
—Kc Baker, People.com, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for penalty 
Alex Sherman, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2025
The rewrite was based on input from the Trump administration and, in part, created a mandatory death penalty for an undocumented immigrant who commits a capital crime such as raping a minor.
—Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2025
Nielsen was legendary in his own right, having won Goalkeeper of the Year and the famous penalty shootout victories in the 2012 U.S. Open Cup Final and 2013 MLS Cup Final.
—Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 29 Jan. 2025
Her conviction carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, CBS News reports.
—Kc Baker, People.com, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for penalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penalty
Noun
-
The new law will create harsher punishments for people who commit hate crimes, escalating prison time and fines for repeat offenders.—
Trans Formations Project,
Them,
31 Jan. 2025
-
In November 2023, Bank of America was required to pay $12 million in fines for falsifying lending information required under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act.—
Kelsey Neubauer,
CNBC,
30 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Please remember that Rikers is not meant to be a place for punishment.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
28 Jan. 2025
-
Only in the mid-nineteenth century did the English word become synonymous with the idea of time coming to a full stop, signalling both punishment and redemption.—
Arthur Krystal,
The New Yorker,
27 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
However, critics argue that redirecting federal funds to expand school choice could further strain public schools and exacerbate educational inequalities by weakening public schools—and leaving those without access to alternative education options at a disadvantage.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
Newsweek,
1 Feb. 2025
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The announcement that Facebook will no longer try to combat incorrect information in posts will also put Newsom at a disadvantage, Madrid said.—
Taryn Luna,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Just ask his rival, Sam, who suffered his wrath during 2012's Battle of the Seasons.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
31 Jan. 2025
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The fires have also been a subject of President Donald Trump’s wrath all week.—
David Lightman,
Sacramento Bee,
24 Jan. 2025
Noun
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In addition to the permit fees, climbers must also pay for travel expenses, insurance, gear, supplies and professional guides, known as sherpas.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
30 Jan. 2025
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McCabe had asked for $10.8 million more and closed the gap by making reductions to smaller expenses, such as cutting computer replacements for students in kindergarten through second grade.—
Thomas Goodwin Smith,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near penalty
Cite this Entry
“Penalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penalty. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
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