MISCONDUCT Synonyms: 99 Similar and Opposite Words

misconduct 1 of 2

noun

ˌmis-ˈkän-(ˌ)dəkt

Definition of misconduct

as in wrongdoing

improper or illegal behavior some rough play got the hockey player fined for misconduct on the ice

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in adultery

a sexual encounter or relationship between a married person and someone other than their spouse both parties cited misconduct as the reason for the divorce

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

misconduct

2 of 2

verb

as in to abuse

to manage badly misconducted the polar expedition and paid for his mistakes with his life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 misconduct

Noun

Wyandotte County District Court records indicated that the state charged Herrera with two misdemeanor counts of contributing to a child’s misconduct or deprivation. — Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026 That includes consistent enforcement of standards, transparency in how issues are handled and meaningful consequences for misconduct. — Elissa Rossi, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Verb

In addition, referees were instructed to apply the rules regarding fouls and misconducts more strictly – a move meant to protect players and their inventiveness. — Cesar R. Torres, The Conversation, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for misconduct

Recent Examples of Synonyms for misconduct

Noun

More than 150 scientists and prior GOP investigations say there is no evidence tying Fauci to wrongdoing, as experts point instead to likely natural origins and Washington tightens oversight of high-risk lab research.

— Lauran Neergaard, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
Quick hits The Panthers were cleared of any wrongdoing in relation to the cause of Scourton’s ACL injury in practice last week, according to a source close to the situation.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 29 July 2026

Definition of wrongdoing

Noun

The name has Biblical undertones and refers to a theory that Adam (of Adam and Eve) had a first wife named Lilith, who committed adultery with Satan and transformed into an evil being who kidnaps children.

— Katie Mather, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026
Odysseus… kinda ends up being your standard Noble Hero, complete with Modestly Badass Armor and Aragorn Beard Scruff and in absolutely no danger of (knowingly) committing adultery against his faithful wife waiting for him back home.

— Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 21 July 2026

Definition of adultery

Verb

When Platner arrived, the place seemed haunted not only by American misconduct but also by Saddam Hussein’s use of it to imprison and abuse political dissidents during his reign.

— Jasper Craven, New Yorker, 24 July 2026
To overturn the trial court's decision would require an appellate court to find that the trial court abused its discretion ― which is a very high bar to hurdle.

— Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of abuse

Noun

Owning The Design Choice Faculty often describe the AI cheating problem as something happening to them.

— Terry Oroszi, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Despite multiple requests from test takers and lawmakers, the DMV has not provided any details about the nature of the alleged cheating, and some of those who must take the test over feel like they’ve been unfairly accused.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026

Definition of cheating

Verb

Ho also said Celeste bore two significant penetrating injuries — one wound to her abdomen, which passed through the diaphragm and injured the liver, and the other penetrated the left side of her chest, damaging ribs and entered the chest cavity.

— Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 25 July 2026
Seven neighbors whose property was damaged by the explosion also are plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

— Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026

Definition of damage

Verb

At the time, Abarca’s wife was granted an order of protection, which Abarca was charged with violating in 2025.

— Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
Over the next few years, he was charged with multiple counts of disorderly conduct, trespassing and violating probation.

— Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026

Definition of violate

Verb

Founders often mismanage their crucial first sales hire, mistakenly seeking candidates suited for large corporations.

— Kate Morgan, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Target has been criticized for mismanaging inventory, under-investing in stores and falling behind on the trendy, eye-catching merchandise the retailer built its name on.

— Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 22 June 2026

Definition of mismanage

Cite this Entry

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“Misconduct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misconduct. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of misconduct

noun

verb

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