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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of penalty
Strengthening penalties and enforcement tools is essential to ensuring the safety of our communities and the stability of our local economy.
—
Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 2 Apr. 2025
Taxpayers needing more time can request a six-month extension, but any taxes owed must still be paid by the April deadline to avoid interest and penalties.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
The federal death penalty is in all 50 states and U.S. territories but is used relatively rarely compared to the use of capital punishment by states.
—Cara Tabachnick, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2025
The attorney general said seeking the death penalty is in line with her order about reviving the federal death penalty.
—Lorena O'Neil, Rolling Stone, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for penalty
Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 2 Apr. 2025
Taxpayers needing more time can request a six-month extension, but any taxes owed must still be paid by the April deadline to avoid interest and penalties.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
The federal death penalty is in all 50 states and U.S. territories but is used relatively rarely compared to the use of capital punishment by states.
—Cara Tabachnick, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2025
The attorney general said seeking the death penalty is in line with her order about reviving the federal death penalty.
—Lorena O'Neil, Rolling Stone, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for penalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penalty
Noun
-
In regulated industries, hallucinations can open companies up to fines and investigations.—
Kolawole Samuel Adebayo,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
-
The star was also ordered to pay a $350 fine and court fees.—
Hannah Sacks,
People.com,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Janine lost her eye as punishment at the Red Center, the training facility for Handmaids.—
Alexandra Hurtado,
People.com,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Trump announced a 10 percent tariff on China in February before doubling it to 20 percent in March as punishment for fentanyl trafficking.—
Gordon G. Chang,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Federal cases brought in Texas appeal to the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, a far-right court that routinely interprets the law in creative ways to benefit right-wing causes and the Republican Party, something likely to put anyone trying to stop a deportation at a disadvantage.—
Ian Millhiser,
Vox,
1 Apr. 2025
-
This has created an uneven playing field that places traditional lodging establishments at a disadvantage.—
Sean Krofssik,
Hartford Courant,
31 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Not Choosing Your Trees Wisely The shade of a giant oak certainly has its appeal, but planting one on a five-foot stretch of earth separating your driveway from your neighbor’s is ill-advised and a surefire way to feel the wrath of the family who lives next door.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
29 Mar. 2025
-
Congressional Republicans were not inclined to deny Hegseth his appointment or to risk the President’s wrath.—
David Remnick,
New Yorker,
26 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The total project cost is about $31 million, not including the operating expenses, according to the staff report.—
Theresa Clift,
Sacbee.com,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Economists argue that higher tariffs amount to a regressive tax, since the consumer goods that are subject to tariffs make up a larger share of the expenses for low- and middle-income households.—
Tobias Burns,
The Hill,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Penalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penalty. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share