MISAPPROPRIATION Synonyms: 37 Similar Words

misappropriation

noun

as in misapplication

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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 misappropriation False endorsement and misappropriation, FanDuel could insist, are inapplicable to a personalized video setting where the video’s talent voluntarily assents in exchange for compensation. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 July 2026 Legal experts say Harper might have grounds to sue FanDuel for false endorsement, misappropriation and invasion of privacy. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026 Orientalism, the show suggests, wasn’t a one-way street but a traffic in misappropriation. — Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 13 July 2026 Apple on Friday sued OpenAI and two former employees, alleging misappropriation of its trade secrets to benefit the ChatGPT-owner's foray into consumer hardware, a dramatic escalation of already simmering tension between the two companies. — Stephen Nellis, USA Today, 11 July 2026 In the suit, filed in the District Court of Northern California, Apple accuses OpenAI of trade secret misappropriation and breach of contract. — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 10 July 2026 Apple on Friday filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and two former employees, alleging misappropriation of the iPhone maker’s trade secrets to benefit the ChatGPT-owner’s foray into consumer hardware. — Ben Goggin, NBC news, 10 July 2026 Yang Youlin also was convicted of embezzlement, offering bribes, misappropriation of public funds, abuse of power and money laundering in one of the most dramatic corruption cases in recent years in terms of the sheer scale of the bribes involved. — ABC News, 6 July 2026 Prosecutors in 2017 charged him with six counts of embezzlement, grand theft, money laundering and misappropriation of public funds in connection with his time as CEO of the now-defunct Stockton Boys and Girls Club. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for misappropriation

Noun

Leedberg-Snow pleaded guilty to felony counts of solicitation to commit vital records fraud, title fraud, theft by misapplication of property and witness tampering, per the attorney general’s office.

— Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026
Porter was charged with five felony counts of theft of service over $30,000 and one count of misapplication of a trust fund, which is a misdemeanor.

— Tanya Babbar, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 May 2026

Definition of misapplication

Noun

And in 2006, Higgs pleaded guilty to theft/embezzlement from his former employer, Jayco Inc.

— Zuri Primos July 27, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
The claim and counterclaim are among serious allegations – including of smear campaigns and embezzlement – aired in multiple court cases now swirling around the production of the Australian musical comedy.

— Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 22 July 2026

Definition of embezzlement

Noun

Like the first book of the trilogy, this one unfolds entirely in dialogue—only instead of giving us a narrator whose hat was stolen, this story is narrated by the fish who did the stealing.

— Casey Cep, New Yorker, 7 July 2026
Luke Locklear, 29, of Lumberton, is charged with felony conspiracy, and altering/stealing/destroying criminal evidence by taking it from the home and burning it, a warrant says.

— Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2026

Definition of stealing

Noun

While the subject matter shifted from bank robberies to art heists, the essence of the character as an effortlessly cool, independent wealthy titan of industry who stole for the thrill of it remained the same.

— Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 29 July 2026
Her most challenging case was that of a cousin who sustained multiple gunshot wounds during a robbery.

— John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026

Definition of robbery

Noun

Inscoe turned himself in a few hours later, and was charged with two counts of felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill/inflicting serious injury, and felony larceny of a motor vehicle, the sheriff’s office said.

— Mark Price July 31, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
The teen is charged with third-degree robbery, third-degree assault, and larceny of motor vehicle, according to Murgo.

— Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 26 July 2026

Definition of larceny

Noun

After committing theft or fraud, the con man used his background as a cop to his advantage while in county jail.

— Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026
Newsom drew a parallel to the plague of retail theft that captivated the state not long ago, and which the state has successfully combated.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026

Definition of theft

Noun

The teaser shows Jordan as Crown pulling off a number of dangerous stunts against a backdrop of slick cities, breathtaking landscapes, and museums with top-of-the-line security measures that can’t stand up against the wiles of his debonair thievery.

— Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 29 July 2026
While some have suffered thievery before, they’ve typically been targeted by institutional or industry insiders.

— Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 15 July 2026

Definition of thievery

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“Misappropriation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misappropriation. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of misappropriation

noun

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