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An infraction is usually the breaking of a law, rule, or agreement. So a nation charged with an infraction of an international treaty will usually have to pay a penalty. In Federal law, an infraction is even smaller than a misdemeanor, and the only penalty is a fine. Most of us occasionally commit infractions of parking laws and get ticketed; speeding tickets are usually for infractions as well, though they go on a permanent record and can end up costing you money for years to come. The closely related word infringement generally refers to a violation of a right or privilege; use of another's writings without permission, for example, may be an infringement of the copyright.
Examples of infraction in a Sentence
John Aguilar, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026
Schools could still cover athletes’ legal fees even without entering a joint-representation agreement; such is a regular practice in NCAA infractions or eligibility cases, typically through a limited waiver allowing the school, as payor, to view attorney billing records.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 14 Mar. 2026
Of note, Alex Meruelo was the Coyotes’ owner from 2019-24, so there was no ownership change between the time of the infraction and the draft pick forfeiture.
—Pierre Lebrun, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026
The Arizona Republic reported that Nanos stepped down from the El Paso Police Department in 1982 after being accused of a series of infractions, including excessive force, off-duty gambling, improperly using his siren, and tardiness.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for infraction
Cite this Entry
“Infraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infraction. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
infraction
noun
