malefaction

noun

ˌma-lə-ˈfak-shən How to pronounce malefaction (audio)
Definition of malefactionnext
as in crime
a breaking of a moral or legal code the town treasurer has been linked to the kickback scheme and other financial malefactions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of malefaction And the principle remains that representing a malefactor isn’t, ipso facto, an act of malefaction. — Kwame Anthony Appiah, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for malefaction
  1. crime
  2. violation
  3. sin
Noun
  • Both candidates believe violent crime should be the priority at the district attorney’s office.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The state persistently ranks near the bottom nationally on poverty, crime and public education, and disenchanted voters are pleading for change.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of crime
Noun
  • This was a violation at the opening inspection and was to be corrected prior to opening.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The law firm said that a license plate violation will not add points on your DMV record.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of violation
Noun
  • Confession is looked at as some kind of sin and it’s associated with shame.
    — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Lamb, who was once floated for the service’s top job, treats his current position as a kind of penance for past sins, both for himself and for his underlings.
    — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of sin

Browse Nearby Words

maledicts
malefaction
malefactions
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Cite this Entry

“Malefaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malefaction. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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