Amercements are monetary penalties that are usually imposed for minor offenses. Synonyms for the word amercements include fines, forfeitures, penalties, sanctions, and levies. A fine is a payment of money that is imposed as punishment for breaking a law or rule. Forfeiture refers to the loss of property or rights due to a violation of a law. Penalties are punishments or consequences for an offense. Sanctions are measures taken to enforce obedience to laws or rules, and levies refer to the imposition of a tax or fee. So, whether it's a fine, forfeiture, penalty, sanction, or levy, breaking the law can cost you money!