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
The panel heard arguments in September and seemed wary of the massive financial penalty.
—
Ella Lee, The Hill, 30 May 2025
In 2015, Miami-Dade arranged the sale of 82 acres of government land to American Dream Miami developer Triple Five in a no-bid transaction that included a $5 million penalty if the project wasn’t on track for a 2025 opening.
—Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025
And in that context, any defensive player who comes in hard risks incurring an unnecessary roughness penalty for contact deemed too harsh, even if the whistle hasn’t yet blown.
—Michael Silver, New York Times, 21 May 2025
What are penalties for selling stuff without a permit?
Selling things in California without a valid seller’s permit can get you into legal trouble, according to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.
—Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for penalty
Ella Lee, The Hill, 30 May 2025
In 2015, Miami-Dade arranged the sale of 82 acres of government land to American Dream Miami developer Triple Five in a no-bid transaction that included a $5 million penalty if the project wasn’t on track for a 2025 opening.
—Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025
And in that context, any defensive player who comes in hard risks incurring an unnecessary roughness penalty for contact deemed too harsh, even if the whistle hasn’t yet blown.
—Michael Silver, New York Times, 21 May 2025
What are penalties for selling stuff without a permit?
Selling things in California without a valid seller’s permit can get you into legal trouble, according to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.
—Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for penalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penalty
Noun
-
These legal salvos could cost the company billions in fines and force major changes to its business.—
Ryan Whitwam,
ArsTechnica,
2 June 2025
-
Crain’s reported that, earlier this year, Chetrit and his brothers owed the city nearly half a million in fines on the property, which had 56 active violations, and that it was believed to be the first foreclosure ever for Joseph Chetrit.—
Kim Velsey,
Curbed,
2 June 2025
Noun
-
School personnel also would be prohibited from referring truant students to police to be ticketed as punishment.—
Jennifer Smith Richards,
ProPublica,
28 May 2025
-
The punishment was far less than the maximum six-month sentence sought by the government but more than the probation that Papadopoulos and his lawyers had asked for.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
28 May 2025
Noun
-
Those who continue managing AI initiatives separately from their core commerce operations may find themselves at a disadvantage as conversational search becomes more prevalent.—
Kiri Masters,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
-
The law defines discrimination as when a trading partner's laws, import duties, regulations or other restrictions place the U.S. at a disadvantage.—
Aimee Picchi,
CBS News,
30 May 2025
Noun
-
No one wants to die in an America of wrath and vengeance.—
Christine Ledbetter,
Chicago Tribune,
22 May 2025
-
Against this backdrop, Moscow may be tempted to scare Europe into submission, and some Europeans might choose appeasement rather than risk Russia’s wrath.—
Liana Fix,
Foreign Affairs,
1 May 2025
Noun
-
The market index currently yields 1.25%, while the ETF has a 1.81% yield and 0.33% expense ratio.—
Michelle Fox,
CNBC,
30 May 2025
-
Medical and educational expenses easily top some of the most expensive costs a parent or guardian may face.—
David Kudla,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Penalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penalty. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share