Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

penal

[peen-l] / ˈpin l /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The interim government is prosecuting Atef Najib under the 1949 penal code, a statute written for ordinary murder, not for crimes against humanity.

From Slate • May 27, 2026

Russian human rights activist Osechkin, 44, who lives in France under police protection, said Ukrainian prisoners are often made "invisible" within the penal system, and has even documented cases of their names being changed.

From Barron's • May 8, 2026

“As well as realistic criminal investigation when they’ve committed a crime in violation of a penal code.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

Otherwise it contravened section 68 of Kenya's penal code and attracted up to 10 years in jail unless a court was satisfied the enlistment was not voluntary.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

Christopher, a graduate ,of Harvard Divinity School, was a poet, a philosopher, and a Unitarian minister, although he earned his keep as a bureaucrat in the California penal system.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer




Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "penal" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com