penalty

noun

ˈpe-nᵊl-tē How to pronounce penalty (audio)
Definition of penaltynext
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

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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

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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

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 In the last decade or so, football on every level has implemented rules designed to reduce the type of hits that used to sell the sport, but now would be a penalty or an ejection. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026 Even with an unnecessary roughness penalty in the fourth, Shelley made his reps count, making five tackles and breaking up a deep pass from Rams quarterback Ty Simpson intended for Tyler Scott. — Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 Penalty abatement generally refers more specifically to removing a penalty that has already been assessed. — Jamela Adam, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 Each felony charge carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison. — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for penalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penalty
  1. fine
  2. punishment
  3. disadvantage
  4. damages
  5. wrath
  6. expense
Noun
  • If convicted, Miller could face a maximum sentence of five years in prison on the cyberstalking charge and two years for making false statements, along with fines of up to $250,000.
    — Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Note that penalty relief doesn’t erase the underlying taxes and only removes or reduces the extra fines and fees added to your balance.
    — Jamela Adam, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of fine
Noun
  • Because of this purposeful inaccuracy, she will be reported to the FCC for rebuke or punishment.
    — Rick Ellis, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Hisbah members also face widespread allegations of rights abuses in their enforcement operations, including subjecting offenders to dehumanizing punishments such as public beatings or shaming.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of punishment
Noun
  • Consider these advantages and disadvantages before choosing an ARM.
    — Rebecca Safier, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Similarly, although benefits of smaller class sizes are real, at least for economically disadvantaged kids in early grades, uniform caps put high-poverty schools at a competitive disadvantage (because other working conditions are more difficult).
    — David Griffith, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of disadvantage
Noun
  • The Family Dollar employee suffered damages, including losses in compensation and benefits, medical expenses, and anxiety and emotional distress, according to the EEOC.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The suit seeks unspecified damages for claims including legal malpractice, breach of fiduciary duty and racketeering.
    — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of damages
Noun
  • Instead of targeting Watson, several of those same fans should’ve saved their wrath and looked in the mirror.
    — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Natalie and her mother, perhaps fearing the wrath incurred by the cardinal sin, denied the cause of his death.
    — Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of wrath
Noun
  • Others argued the city cannot afford massive new spending on police, its greatest expense, and must make the department more efficient.
    — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The Family Dollar employee suffered damages, including losses in compensation and benefits, medical expenses, and anxiety and emotional distress, according to the EEOC.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of expense

Browse Nearby Words

penalties
penalty
penchant
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Cite this Entry

“Penalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penalty. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on penalty

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about penalty

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