Synonyms of misconduct

misconduct 1 of 2

noun

ˌmis-ˈkän-(ˌ)dəkt 

1

as in wrongdoing

improper or illegal behavior

some rough play got the hockey player fined for misconduct on the ice

Synonyms & Similar Words

• wrongdoing
• malfeasance
• crime
• misbehavior
• trespass
• mistake
• error
• misdoing
• sin
• misdemeanor
• malpractice
• misdeed
• transgression
• wrong
• blunder
• indiscretion
• malefaction
• impropriety
• stumble
• slip
• hanky-panky
• fault
• fumble
• miscue
• gaffe
• goings-on
• misstep
• familiarity
• lapse
• goof
• flub
• slipup

2

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

• adultery
• cheating
• infidelity
• unfaithfulness
• treachery
• affair
• disloyalty
• perfidy
• two-timing
• promiscuity
• criminal conversation
• romance
• faithlessness
• intrigue
• free love
• inconstancy
• love
• infatuation
• falseness
• perfidiousness
• entanglement
• love affair
• flirtation
• attachment
• amour
• liaison
• fling
• passion

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fidelity
• faithfulness
• loyalty
• devotion
• dedication
• allegiance
• constancy
• steadfastness
• fealty
• devotedness

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

• abuse
• damage
• violate
• misgovern
• mismanage
• misrule
• mishandle
• maladminister
• misuse
• mistreat
• harm
• hurt
• maltreat
• ill-use
• ill-treat
• bungle
• botch

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• husband
• rule
• handle
• govern
• manage
• care (for)
• protect
• aid
• help
• nurture
• rescue

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of misconduct

Noun

Throughout the investigation, officials conducted site visits, reviewed thousands of pages of documents, which included investigative records and misconduct logs and consulted experts, Dhillon said. — Sierra Van Der Brug, Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026

This perception was central to the positive reputation that Jones built up among San Francisco’s political elite—an image that persisted even after revelations of misconduct began to surface. — James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 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