PENALTY Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

penalty

noun

ˈpe-nᵊl-tē

Definition of penalty

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

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

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 In a match that finished a half-hour later, Liverpool beat Chelsea 6-5 in a shootout after a 1-1 draw that saw both goals also come from the penalty spot. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026 Its investment came with a promise that Charlotte FC and the Panthers will stay in Charlotte for 20 years or else pay a financial penalty. — Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 28 Oct. 2026 The attorney general can seek civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation, plus damages and restitution. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2026 With greater experience and depth, Arsenal avenge their penalty-shootout loss to Paris Saint-Germain in last season’s final to win the 2026-27 Champions League. — Senior Football, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for penalty

Recent Examples of Synonyms for penalty

Noun

But that has never been a real consideration for nonvoters, who must either submit a formal justification online or at a polling station, or pay a small fine of less than $1.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
Each also received a $10,000 fine as part of their punishment that will be paid to the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund.

— Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of fine

Noun

Jensen has the vocal equivalent of a familiar face, which for another performer could become a disadvantage.

— Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026
To help make up ground from the disadvantage of a statewide race without an R next to his name, Achilles has hit the road.

— Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of disadvantage

Noun

El Salvador President Nayib Bukele is demanding the release of four Salvadoran military personnel ambushed by an armed gang in Haiti, warning that the gangs would face his wrath if the men are not returned alive and unharmed.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
While Brian rode off to war, Ellen reluctantly returned to Leoch, fully aware of the wrath awaiting her from Colum in particular.

— Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of wrath

Browse Nearby Words

penalties

penalty

penchant

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Penalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penalty. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of penalty

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on penalty

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

shindig

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes