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

In any case, as set forth further below, the Clippers’ misconduct here extended far beyond simply initiating these opportunities. — John Hollinger, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 The case has exposed internal turmoil at the Justice Department, with a prosecutor fired and civil rights charges in limbo as officials debate how aggressively to pursue misconduct. — Alanna Durkin Richer, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 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

The investigation was marred by a series of scandals, including a civil suit by Wallace’s family accusing the LAPD of wrongdoing.

— Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
The case was settled in 2019, with neither side admitting wrongdoing.

— Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of wrongdoing

Noun

For one thing covetousness, as opposed to the more concrete sins like theft or murder or adultery, is a thought crime, and almost all that goes on here, happens within the minds of the characters.

— Jessica Kiang, Variety, 6 Sep. 2026
Its citizens held slaves, some of whom were shackled for committing adultery.

— Boris Kachka, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of adultery

Noun

Afterward, the internet went wild with accusations of cheating, nepotism, and more.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026
Nearly all are requiring ethics courses along the way — as educators continue to grapple with cheating and with fears that heavy AI use will erode critical thinking.

— Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of cheating

Verb

The missile killed four sailors and damaged the ship’s equipment, but the crew contained the damage and the Hanit limped home.

— HOLMES LIAO, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2026
Desalination plants in the Gulf have been targeted and damaged during the US-Iran war, raising significant alarm in a region that depends overwhelmingly on this technology.

— Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of damage

Verb

More than two dozen law enforcement officials, from crime analysts to chiefs of police, have been charged with violating their oaths of office and conducting unauthorized searches within the Flock Safety system in Georgia in the past few months.

— Irene Wright, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026
The letter alleged the Smithsonian may have violated anti-discrimination laws.

— Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 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