Synonyms for

Penalty

Verb / ˈpenʌlti: / Another word for penalty — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a punishment imposed for breaking a law, rule, or contract

Synonyms & similar words

punishment penalization reward penalisation punishment fine fee sanction retribution amercement forfeit sacrifice loss damages compensation reparation justice vengeance retaliation discipline correction chastisement castigation penance

Synonyms by register

Formal

sanction fine punishment forfeit

Informal

rap sock whammy kick in the teeth

Literary

exaction retribution chastisement

Antonyms

reward prize bonus compensation benefit incentive recompense

Common collocations

  • penalty clause
  • penalty kick
  • penalty area
  • penalty shoot-out
  • penalty box
  • penalty fee
  • penalty points
  • penalty for

Word family

noun penalty
verb penalize
adjective penal
adverb penally

Usage note

A penalty is a punishment imposed for breaking a rule or law. It often refers to a financial sum or a disadvantage in a game or competition.

Example sentences

  1. She was given a penalty for cheating on the test.
  2. The referee gave a penalty kick to the opposing team.
  3. The penalty for littering is a fine.
  4. The company had to pay a penalty for violating environmental regulations.
  5. He avoided a penalty by paying his taxes on time.

Quotes

  • The penalty for success is to be bored by the people who used to snub you.
  • The guy who takes a chance, who walks the line between the known and unknown, who is unafraid of failure, will succeed.
  • The greatest penalty of evildoing is to grow into the likeness of bad men.

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