penalties
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for penalties, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Plural of penalty; punishments or disadvantages imposed for breaking a rule.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use penalties
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Frequently asked questions
What does “penalties” mean?
The word “penalties” means plural of penalty; punishments or disadvantages imposed for breaking a rule. In plain terms, more than one penalty — either punishments, or (in sport) a shootout of penalty kicks.
How do you pronounce “penalties”?
“Penalties” is pronounced PEH-nuhl-teez (/ˈpɛnəltiz/ in IPA).
How do you use “penalties” in a sentence?
Here is “penalties” used in a sentence: “The match went to penalties after a scoreless draw.”
What part of speech is “penalties”?
“Penalties” is a noun.
Is “penalties” a common word?
“Penalties” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between penalties and fines?
A fine is one specific type of penalty: a sum of money that must be paid for breaking a rule or law. Penalties is the broader term, covering any punishment or disadvantage imposed for breaking a rule, including fines, point deductions, suspensions, and added interest.
What is the difference between penalties and punishments?
Penalties are typically fixed consequences set out in advance by rules, laws, or contracts, such as late-payment penalties or penalties in sport. Punishment is the wider word for anything imposed on someone for wrongdoing, and it can be informal or moral as well as official.
What is the singular of penalties?
The singular is penalty. Because penalty ends in a consonant plus -y, the plural is formed by changing the -y to -ies, giving penalties — the same pattern as city/cities and party/parties.
What is the difference between penalties and sanctions?
Both are consequences for breaking rules, but sanctions are usually measures imposed by an authority to force compliance, often against organisations or countries, as in trade sanctions. Penalties more often apply to individuals or teams and are attached to a specific rule or offence.