as in crimes
law
a serious criminal act (such as murder or rape)
The crime is considered a felony under state law. He was convicted of committing a felony.
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Recent Examples of felonies
The legislation followed Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco’s seizure of more than 650,000 ballots last month, and violations are now felonies punishable by up to three years in jail.
—
Sacbee.com, 30 May 2026
Four years later, an overwhelming majority of California voters approved Proposition 36, reversing a 2014 change that had commuted some nonviolent felonies to misdemeanors.
—Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
Have you been convicted of any felonies?
—Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 29 May 2026
Aaron Deunte Ratliff, 37, was arrested May 23 and charge with 10 felonies, including five counts of first degree kidnapping and three counts of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injuries, the Anson County Sheriff’s Office said in a May 25 news release.
—Mark Price
may 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2026
The two charges leveled against Barber are Class Y felonies, jail records show.
—Arkansas Online, 23 May 2026
In Watson’s case, she wasn’t charged with anything until late last year, when the Ada County Prosecutor’s Office filed two felonies against her.
—Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 22 May 2026
The council vote comes at a time when the Parole Board has allowed the release from prison of dozens of criminals convicted of violent felonies, including first-degree murder.
—Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 20 May 2026
The office also prosecutes misdemeanors; the responsibility for prosecuting felonies falls to the county district attorney.
—The Editorial Board, Daily News, 20 May 2026
Sacbee.com, 30 May 2026
Four years later, an overwhelming majority of California voters approved Proposition 36, reversing a 2014 change that had commuted some nonviolent felonies to misdemeanors.
—Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
Have you been convicted of any felonies?
—Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 29 May 2026
Aaron Deunte Ratliff, 37, was arrested May 23 and charge with 10 felonies, including five counts of first degree kidnapping and three counts of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injuries, the Anson County Sheriff’s Office said in a May 25 news release.
—Mark Price
may 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2026
The two charges leveled against Barber are Class Y felonies, jail records show.
—Arkansas Online, 23 May 2026
In Watson’s case, she wasn’t charged with anything until late last year, when the Ada County Prosecutor’s Office filed two felonies against her.
—Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 22 May 2026
The council vote comes at a time when the Parole Board has allowed the release from prison of dozens of criminals convicted of violent felonies, including first-degree murder.
—Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 20 May 2026
The office also prosecutes misdemeanors; the responsibility for prosecuting felonies falls to the county district attorney.
—The Editorial Board, Daily News, 20 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for felonies
Noun
-
He was taken into custody without incident on suspicion of second-degree murder and other crimes, Reed said.—
Tim Stelloh,
NBC news,
30 May 2026
-
Flock cameras also improve efficiency by helping officers quickly identify vehicles connected to crimes, which can reduce investigative time and limit the need for additional overtime.—
Mercury News Editorial Board,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Bees don’t necessarily want to enter your home and bother you, but an open door or window can allow for some accidental trespasses.—
Asia London Palomba,
The Spruce,
7 Apr. 2026
-
The pattern of trespasses at Mar-a-Lago culminated in a dramatic security incident on Sunday, when an armed man carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can breached the perimeter.—
WPEC Staff,
Baltimore Sun,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The city attorney’s office handles petty misdemeanors, misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors.—
Mara H. Gottfried,
Twin Cities,
3 June 2026
-
He is also charged with separate misdemeanors, loitering/prowling and giving false name, address, or birthdate to a law enforcement officer.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Felonies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/felonies. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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