misdemeanor

noun

Definition of misdemeanornext
as in crime
law a criminal act that is less serious than a felony He was charged with committing a misdemeanor. a misdemeanor traffic violation

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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 misdemeanor The only charges filed Thursday involved the misdemeanor counts of battery and criminal damage to property. — Steve Megargee, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Cops quickly caught up with Tate and charged him with misdemeanor assault. — Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026 In 2014, Reginald Wayne pleaded guilty in federal court to four felony charges and two misdemeanor charges related to labor fraud, visa fraud and failing to pay minimum wages to students at his Bible college. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Aug. 2026 Moore ultimately pleaded no contest to two misdemeanors and received probation. — Dave Boucher, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for misdemeanor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for misdemeanor
  1. crime
  2. violation
  3. trespass
  4. misconduct
Noun
  • Which of these adults will have their real estate crimes interrupted by those meddling kids and their puppy?
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The plan involves the United States taking more direct control over Venezuelan reserves as crime and steep logistical challenges discourage private investors.
    — Evan Halper, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of crime
Noun
  • If Paul Baker wins, Nina will report the zoning violation that is their household.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Other alleged violations — which total 23 in all — range from not having any smoke or carbon monoxide detectors throughout the property to failing to maintain the building in a structurally safe and stable condition.
    — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of violation
Noun
  • However, people can still face vandalism, tampering, trespass or theft allegations, the Santa Ana law firm said.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Bow School District soon issued no-trespass orders that banned Fellers and Anthony Foote from entering district property or attending sporting or other extracurricular events.
    — BrieAnna J. Frank, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of trespass
Noun
  • Likewise, the fact that somebody correctly anticipated an announcement and made money does not by itself prove misconduct.
    — Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Illinois does not have independent watchdogs investigating fraud, waste, abuse, misconduct or neglect in state government, agencies or public programs.
    — Collin Corbett, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of misconduct

Browse Nearby Words

misdemeanants
misdemeanor
misdemeanors
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Cite this Entry

“Misdemeanor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misdemeanor. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on misdemeanor

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about misdemeanor

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