transgression

noun

trans·​gres·​sion tran(t)s-ˈgre-shən 

tranz-

: an act, process, or instance of transgressing: such as

a

: infringement or violation of a law, command, or duty

b

: the spread of the sea over land areas and the consequent unconformable deposit of sediments on older rocks

Synonyms of transgression

• violation
• crime
• sin

Examples of transgression in a Sentence

acts that are transgressions against the laws of civilized societies everywhere

a dying woman asking for divine forgiveness for a lifetime of transgressions

Recent Examples on the Web

Every unchecked transgression becomes precedent. —Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026

Newsom has apologized repeatedly for the pandemic transgression. —Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 21 Jan. 2026

With 14 new players on the roster, past transgressions mattered less to the Aggies than proving themselves right. —Tony Catalina, Austin American Statesman, 17 Jan. 2026

Later, after conferring with the official, Izzo had clarification on Davis’ transgression. —Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for transgression

• accession
• aggression
• compression
• concession
• confession
• depression
• digression
• discretion
• expression
• impression
• obsession
• oppression

Kids Definition

transgression

noun

trans·​gres·​sion tran(t)s-ˈgresh-ən 

tranz-

: an act, process, or example of transgressing