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
The bill would apply to both felonies and misdemeanors.
—
Idaho Statesman, 23 Jan. 2026
The 10th District Court follows a judge as dozens of people appear before her, working through cases that range from petty misdemeanors to major civil proceedings.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 20 Jan. 2026
The Porter County Prosecutor’s Office also filed two Level 6 felony charges of resisting law enforcement and domestic battery involving moderate bodily injury, along with two additional misdemeanors.
—Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2026
Dupriest was found guilty on eight counts of child neglect – five were felony counts, three were misdemeanors.
—Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 14 Jan. 2026
Violating the law − for both the largecarnivore and wolf-dog cross acts − are misdemeanors and punishable by monetary fines and imprisonment, for instance.
—Nushrat Rahman, Freep.com, 12 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
Prosecutors dismissed the stalking count on Monday in exchange for Thornton pleading guilty to the misdemeanors.
—CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026
Robert has accepted responsibility for his mistakes and has pleaded guilty to several misdemeanors.
—Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 4 Jan. 2026
Idaho Statesman, 23 Jan. 2026
The 10th District Court follows a judge as dozens of people appear before her, working through cases that range from petty misdemeanors to major civil proceedings.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 20 Jan. 2026
The Porter County Prosecutor’s Office also filed two Level 6 felony charges of resisting law enforcement and domestic battery involving moderate bodily injury, along with two additional misdemeanors.
—Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2026
Dupriest was found guilty on eight counts of child neglect – five were felony counts, three were misdemeanors.
—Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 14 Jan. 2026
Violating the law − for both the largecarnivore and wolf-dog cross acts − are misdemeanors and punishable by monetary fines and imprisonment, for instance.
—Nushrat Rahman, Freep.com, 12 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
Prosecutors dismissed the stalking count on Monday in exchange for Thornton pleading guilty to the misdemeanors.
—CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026
Robert has accepted responsibility for his mistakes and has pleaded guilty to several misdemeanors.
—Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 4 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for misdemeanors
Noun
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However, Ederheimer added that mandatory minimum sentences may not actually encourage violent offenders not to commit crimes, further adding to the complex balance of maintaining justice and community safety.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
24 Jan. 2026
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While the general grifter is allowed to reinvent themselves, be openly ambitious, and romanticize their crimes, the female grifter—and especially the SGG—is met with significantly less permission and a higher demand for likability.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Long Beach was then blanked for the first 3½ minutes of the second half with two shot clock violations, but the Titans could only extend their lead by four points.—
Dan Arritt,
Oc Register,
23 Jan. 2026
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Fines start at $100 and can reach $1,000 for multiple violations.—
James Taylor,
CBS News,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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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 30 Jan. 2026.
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