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 Treasury Department has escalated those penalties in recent weeks as the US tries to pressure Tehran on talks.
—
Skylar Woodhouse, Fortune, 16 May 2026
That led to the penalties from the league, which said there had been multiple warnings to the club.
—Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2026
The companies were ordered to pay a total of $6 million in compensatory and punitive damages, with Meta responsible for 70% of the penalties.
—Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 4 May 2026
But civil penalties were removed from the law two decades ago, leaving federal regulators with fewer effective remedies to enforce the law or sanction bad actors.
—Quil Lawrence, NPR, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for penalty
Skylar Woodhouse, Fortune, 16 May 2026
That led to the penalties from the league, which said there had been multiple warnings to the club.
—Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2026
The companies were ordered to pay a total of $6 million in compensatory and punitive damages, with Meta responsible for 70% of the penalties.
—Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 4 May 2026
But civil penalties were removed from the law two decades ago, leaving federal regulators with fewer effective remedies to enforce the law or sanction bad actors.
—Quil Lawrence, NPR, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for penalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penalty
Noun
-
Sanctions could include fines covering the costs for the Rajalas to fight the appeal, as well as possible fines for Trent and another attorney at his firm, Aaron Walner.—
Ashley Belanger,
ArsTechnica,
18 May 2026
-
Less than a year later, the city cited violations again at the property and a judge imposed an additional $27,500 in fines.—
Taylor O'Connor,
Kansas City Star,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Francis took some punishment from Navarro – a few shots from a baseball bat and a drop kick with a trash can.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
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The bipartisan support for the measure comes at a time when federal closures have become longer and more frequent, frustrating lawmakers who say there should be punishment when Congress fails at its most basic legislative duty.—
Joey Cappelletti,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Democrats view the open-seat contest as one of their better statewide opportunities in years, though the party still faces structural disadvantages in turnout during nonpresidential elections.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
16 May 2026
-
Ukraine is also facing its own infantry shortage and recruitment issues after starting at a manpower disadvantage compared to Russia.—
Ashley Belanger,
ArsTechnica,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
The provision allows for damages of up to $500 per violation, or $1,500 per violation if a court finds that a company acted willfully or knowingly.—
Itzel Luna,
Los Angeles Times,
20 May 2026
-
Western utilities requested higher rates than other areas primarily because of damages and risk stemming from wildfires, Hua said.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
Joao Gomes, one of the few current players to escape the wrath of disgruntled supporters, lingered on the pitch after his team-mates had left following a brief, post-match lap of appreciation.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
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One of the most significant was the hurdle of engineering the enclave to harmonize with nature to resist the wrath of disasters, says Syd Kitson, founder and visionary behind Babcock Ranch.—
Jeffrey Steele,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
While the emotional weight of a mother defending her child is undeniable, supporters of Save Girls’ Sports argue compassion for one athlete should not come at the expense of opportunities for other young women.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
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The state would manage all medical insurance — more efficiently and at less consumer expense, advocates insist.—
George Skelton,
Mercury News,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Penalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penalty. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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