MALEFACTION Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

malefaction

noun

ˌma-lə-ˈfak-shən

Definition of malefaction

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

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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

Noun

Prosecutors contend the shooting endangered others at Kirk’s campus event — an aggravating circumstance that could make the crime punishable by death under Utah law.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 July 2026
Despite the unlikely duo closing in, the crime ring pushes past their limits, putting everything on the line for their beliefs — and their most ambitious heist yet.

— Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 10 July 2026

Definition of crime

Noun

The agency had found six violations of state code by the company after detainees complained about a lack of protective equipment and proper training while cleaning the facility for $1 per day.

— Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
The German predator network managed to thrive despite clear violations of Telegram’s terms of service, again raising questions about how the platform has been used for criminal activity.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 July 2026

Definition of violation

Noun

But there are plenty of sins against the rules of cinematic chastity that marked that movement, such as the ample space made for Lasse Aagaard’s affecting, low-key score that amps up the anxiety as Vibeke starts to spiral.

— Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026
Drop Shots 😱 A player in the girls’ singles was disqualified from her match after committing a cardinal Wimbledon sin.

— Ava Wallace, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of sin

Browse Nearby Words

maledicts

malefaction

malefactions

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“Malefaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malefaction. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of malefaction

noun

Example Sentences

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