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

In a world where true-crime shows of both the fictional and nonfictional variety run rampant on our screens, that’s probably not a bad corporate strategy.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
The strip club’s manager, who gave his name as Diego, told The News Thursday that he was not convinced the slaying stemmed from a simple crime of opportunity because the gunman had waited for the victim inside the club.

— Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of crime

Noun

While some newly prominent groups (such as those who later became known as Quakers) emphasized love, fellowship and justice, some members of other sects (like the Presbyterians) created new fears, new sins, new tests and new punishments.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
While Ferns prop Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu was in the sin-bin for head contact that forced off Marlie Packer, England bulldozed New Zealand's seven-women scrum for Breach to score her 58th try.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 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 30 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of malefaction

noun

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