1
as in penalty
a sum of money to be paid as a punishment
ordered by the court to pay $1000 in damages
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in reparation
payment to another for a loss or injury
the company was forced to pay millions in damages to the permanently disabled worker
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in injures
to reduce the soundness, effectiveness, or perfection of
the explosion in the sewers damaged the entire city's water supply
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in wounds
to cause bodily damage to
his knee was badly damaged in the accident, and he walked with a limp for months
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 damages
ArsTechnica, 27 May 2026
Look for those that cover manufacturing defects for at least one year after the original purchase date, and think about adding extra coverage for accidental damages imparted on your own behalf.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 27 May 2026
The department estimated that the building was a complete loss due to damages, although the complex’s owner is having a contractor assess whether it can be repaired.
—Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2026
In August 2024, the state experienced an historic rainfall event that caused millions in damages to homes and businesses in towns across the Naugatuck Valley.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 27 May 2026
The May 13 complaint said that Miller is seeking at least $25,000 in damages.
—David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 27 May 2026
Nunez is seeking damages in excess of $5 million and has requested a jury trial.
—ABC News, 27 May 2026
The lawsuit does not specify monetary damages being sought.
—Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026
The provision allows for damages of up to $500 per violation, or $1,500 per violation if a court finds that a company acted willfully or knowingly.
—Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026
Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 27 May 2026
If a boat comes loose and damages other property, uninsured owners may be liable.
—Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2026
What damages silicone the fastest?
—Ryan Brennan
may 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2026
Price reductions will be the best means of retaining fans, even if that damages the bottom line.
—Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 21 May 2026
Weather damage If severe weather, such as a hailstorm or flood, damages your car, your warranty likely won’t cover any repairs (but as with accident damage, your auto insurance may cover this).
—Kate Tully Ellsworth, USA Today, 18 May 2026
Even one drink of alcohol damages the immune system, lowering its ability to battle invaders within 20 minutes of consumption.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 14 May 2026
Nebraska 2nd District The leading Democratic hopefuls in Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District have been battling over whether one candidate's campaign damages the party's competitiveness in the area.
—Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 12 May 2026
The same is true of excess water, which damages roots and causes plant stress.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 May 2026
Noun
The lawsuit alleges widespread discrimination, especially at Tesla’s Fremont factory, and seeks financial damages and injunctive relief.
—ArsTechnica, 27 May 2026
Look for those that cover manufacturing defects for at least one year after the original purchase date, and think about adding extra coverage for accidental damages imparted on your own behalf.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 27 May 2026
The department estimated that the building was a complete loss due to damages, although the complex’s owner is having a contractor assess whether it can be repaired.
—Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2026
In August 2024, the state experienced an historic rainfall event that caused millions in damages to homes and businesses in towns across the Naugatuck Valley.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 27 May 2026
The May 13 complaint said that Miller is seeking at least $25,000 in damages.
—David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 27 May 2026
Nunez is seeking damages in excess of $5 million and has requested a jury trial.
—ABC News, 27 May 2026
The lawsuit does not specify monetary damages being sought.
—Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026
The provision allows for damages of up to $500 per violation, or $1,500 per violation if a court finds that a company acted willfully or knowingly.
—Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026
Verb
During photosynthesis, cyanobacteria release oxygen, which quickly damages hydrogenase enzymes responsible for hydrogen production.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 27 May 2026
If a boat comes loose and damages other property, uninsured owners may be liable.
—Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2026
What damages silicone the fastest?
—Ryan Brennan
may 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2026
Price reductions will be the best means of retaining fans, even if that damages the bottom line.
—Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 21 May 2026
Weather damage If severe weather, such as a hailstorm or flood, damages your car, your warranty likely won’t cover any repairs (but as with accident damage, your auto insurance may cover this).
—Kate Tully Ellsworth, USA Today, 18 May 2026
Even one drink of alcohol damages the immune system, lowering its ability to battle invaders within 20 minutes of consumption.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 14 May 2026
Nebraska 2nd District The leading Democratic hopefuls in Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District have been battling over whether one candidate's campaign damages the party's competitiveness in the area.
—Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 12 May 2026
The same is true of excess water, which damages roots and causes plant stress.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for damages
Noun
-
Milakovich scored five goals, four of them on penalty shots and two of which gave Brother Rice the lead in the third quarter.—
Matt Le Cren,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2026
-
That led to a notice of violation in April 2021 and a civil penalty of roughly $900,000 paid by GKN, the agency said.—
Nina Giraldo,
CNN Money,
24 May 2026
Noun
-
At the Taubira law’s 25th anniversary on May 21, Macron floated the idea of reparations — something that France has long stay away from addressing.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 May 2026
-
Iran is demanding reparations for the war's damage, an end to the blockade and an immediate end to the fighting, including in Lebanon.—
Garrett Downs,
CNBC,
17 May 2026
Verb
-
This storyline later appeared in the second season of Girls, as Dunham’s character Hannah is overwhelmed with the anxiety of writing a novel and similarly injures herself.—
Caitlin Huston,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Apr. 2026
-
In her desperation to ask Val for a job on the new sitcom, Sharon falls and injures herself.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Chops, gouges, wounds it like the shadow grooves on the sidewalks—the sun is setting earlier.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Imperfect fleshly reality occupies the stage, the region where bones crack and wounds suppurate, schlumpy humans fall for each other, and jealousy roams murderously free.—
Justin Davidson,
Vulture,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
And violations can be penalized with a fine of up to $5,000 per instance.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2026
-
Netflix’s purchase of Gentle Monster means Seydoux will get a significant push, as might Penelope Cruz in supporting for her wickedly fine, if brief musical appearance in La Bola Negra.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
Cornier, who has received compensation from Novo Nordisk for serving as a consultant, echoed some of Banks’ concerns.—
Maia Rosenfeld,
NBC news,
29 May 2026
-
Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and selected based on a combination of engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent availability.—
Kelsey Neubauer,
CNBC,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
No sadness mars the purity of its paranoia.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
22 Mar. 2026
-
However, an earnestness mars most of the proceedings.—
Murtada Elfadl,
Variety,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Holding these things in only hurts you and those around you.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 May 2026
-
Plus, an extra income never hurts.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
23 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Damages.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/damages. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
