WordHive Learning Dictionary

Penalty

noun

a result for breaking a rule.

7 letters 3 syllables

What does Penalty mean?

a result for breaking a rule.

Updated

Dictionary definition

A consequence given when someone breaks a rule.

Example sentences

Penalty in a sentence

easy

In class, we talked about what penalty means.

medium

Our teacher used penalty in a discussion about fairness and community rules.

hard

The reading passage showed how penalty can shape responsible choices in groups.

Writing practice

Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice penalty in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.

Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Penalty

Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.

Practice 1

What does penalty mean?

Practice 2

Which sentence uses penalty correctly?

Practice 3

Which word is closest in meaning to penalty?

Pronunciation coach
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Penalty

Voice settings
Sounds like

pen · uhl · tee · strongest beat: pen

Synonyms

Words like Penalty

consequenceSimilar meaning.
punishmentSimilar meaning.
Antonyms

Opposite words

rewardOpposite or contrasting meaning.
bonusOpposite or contrasting meaning.
Synonym practice

Want to practice penalty synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The late turn had a small penalty in the game," then compare close word choices. Practice penalty synonyms.

Word family

Penalty word family

Base word

penalty

noun

penalties

Plural form.

Related words
Student support

Understand Penalty

Hint for students

a result for breaking a rule.

Common mix-up

Penalty is not the same as reward. Penalty means a result for breaking a rule.

Try it in class or at home

Read this model sentence: Our teacher used penalty in a discussion about fairness and community rules. Clue words: teacher, used, discussion. Underline clue words that show why penalty fits instead of reward. Now write one new sentence that shows penalty without using the word penalty. Ask: Does my sentence clearly show penalty?

Teacher prompt

Ask students to explain this model sentence: "Our teacher used penalty in a discussion about fairness and community rules." Why does penalty fit better than reward?