as in crimes
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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Recent Examples of misdemeanors
Several of the cases filed in recent weeks have already been dropped by prosecutors or reduced from felonies to misdemeanors.
—
Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
Andrew Sanders, 40, is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, assault and obstructing a peace officer, all misdemeanors, as well as careless driving and failing to stay in one lane, both traffic infractions.
—Katie Langford, Denver Post, 18 Feb. 2026
Green had a troubled criminal history that included four juvenile adjudications (convictions), four felony convictions and two misdemeanors, Bailey wrote.
—Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
The misdemeanors were resolved with probation discharge or dismissal (no convictions remain).
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
When contacted by the Washington Examiner about the lack of prosecutorial action, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office explained that most misdemeanors and other less serious offenses are referred to the Minneapolis city attorney, whereas the county prosecutor charges felonies.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 13 Feb. 2026
Jensen said the business violated public nudity codes and the people arrested were cited for misdemeanors and released.
—Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
But Newsom was also an enthusiastic backer of Proposition 47, passed in 2014, which reclassified shoplifting offenses under $950 from felonies to misdemeanors, and also reduced charges for lower-level drug possession.
—Bret Stephens, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
Gustafson’s lawyer, Ilan Funke-Bilu, argued that the charges against his client should be lowered to misdemeanors, the newspaper reported.
—Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 3 Feb. 2026
Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
Andrew Sanders, 40, is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, assault and obstructing a peace officer, all misdemeanors, as well as careless driving and failing to stay in one lane, both traffic infractions.
—Katie Langford, Denver Post, 18 Feb. 2026
Green had a troubled criminal history that included four juvenile adjudications (convictions), four felony convictions and two misdemeanors, Bailey wrote.
—Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
The misdemeanors were resolved with probation discharge or dismissal (no convictions remain).
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
When contacted by the Washington Examiner about the lack of prosecutorial action, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office explained that most misdemeanors and other less serious offenses are referred to the Minneapolis city attorney, whereas the county prosecutor charges felonies.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 13 Feb. 2026
Jensen said the business violated public nudity codes and the people arrested were cited for misdemeanors and released.
—Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
But Newsom was also an enthusiastic backer of Proposition 47, passed in 2014, which reclassified shoplifting offenses under $950 from felonies to misdemeanors, and also reduced charges for lower-level drug possession.
—Bret Stephens, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
Gustafson’s lawyer, Ilan Funke-Bilu, argued that the charges against his client should be lowered to misdemeanors, the newspaper reported.
—Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 3 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for misdemeanors
Noun
-
Superior Court Judge Paul Ridgeway had the option to sentence him to life in prison with the chance for parole after at least 25 years, but Thompson did not face the death penalty given his age at the time of the crimes.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Feb. 2026
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Despite the prevalence of narcotics crimes, Jacobson alleges that Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos does not want to work with other agencies, including Border Patrol and ICE.—
Michael Ruiz , Adriana James-Rodil,
FOXNews.com,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Militants have carried out shooting attacks on troops, and Israel says its strikes are in response to that and other violations.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Feb. 2026
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The union filed a grievance on Tuesday, alleging violations to a collective bargaining agreement.—
Scott Travis,
Sun Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
These seem like minor trespasses, but when no one feels comfortable telling the truth, the influence such behavior has on the 12-year-old Janna becomes concerning.—
Stephen Saito,
Variety,
5 Dec. 2025
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Matilda, fresh on the island, even trespasses on Beechwood and sees the wreckage herself.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Misdemeanors.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misdemeanors. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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