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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
Sean M. Cleary, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
They were accused of minor infractions, such as cursing, missing a day of work or bringing a personal cellphone into the administration building.
—Erik Ortiz, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2026
The penalty for violating this law is an infraction, like a traffic ticket.
—Sierra Van Der Brug, Oc Register, 20 Mar. 2026
The warning comes as drivers in Texas and across the country report receiving messages alleging unpaid traffic tickets, toll violations or other infractions, including the states of Michigan, Alabama, Rhode Island and North Carolina, among others.
—Maria Salette Ontiveros, Dallas Morning News, 18 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 1 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
infraction
noun
