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
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Recent Examples of misdemeanor
Prosecutors also charged Johnson with misdemeanor charges of mail theft and drug possession.
—
Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Puente Perez was charged by the Canyon County Prosecutor’s Office with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter in late November.
—Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 9 Jan. 2026
If clergy fails to report an incident of child abuse heard in confession, they could be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor, which could land them in jail for up to six months.
—Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
Most of the charges are misdemeanors, except for tampering with government records, which is a second-degree felony.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for misdemeanor
Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Puente Perez was charged by the Canyon County Prosecutor’s Office with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter in late November.
—Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 9 Jan. 2026
If clergy fails to report an incident of child abuse heard in confession, they could be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor, which could land them in jail for up to six months.
—Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
Most of the charges are misdemeanors, except for tampering with government records, which is a second-degree felony.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for misdemeanor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for misdemeanor
Noun
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Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage?—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
16 Jan. 2026
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Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
16 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The bill specifically targeted local jails holding people accused of civil violations.—
Jennifer Mayerle,
CBS News,
15 Jan. 2026
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If the sale does go through, the administration can still use its enforcement powers to make sure any new owner corrects open violations and adheres to rent-stabilization laws.—
Clio Chang,
Curbed,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
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In May 2025, an individual was arrested at the Phelps Street home on drug possession, criminal trespass and interfering charges, according to the warrant affidavit.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
7 Jan. 2026
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He was indicted that same month in Fulton on charges of entering an automobile and criminal trespass in connection with the July 8 incident involving Beyoncé.—
David Aaro,
AJC.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Its investigative arm reviews officer misconduct complaints, and is expected to one day replace the police department’s internal affairs division.—
Shomik Mukherjee,
Mercury News,
9 Jan. 2026
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The panel assessed the LAPD’s handling of discipline, misconduct complaints, excessive force by officers and other issues.—
David Zahniser,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Misdemeanor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misdemeanor. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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