SIN Synonyms: 185 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'sin' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sin are crime , offense , scandal , and vice . While all these words mean "a transgression of law," sin implies an offense against moral or religious law. // the sin of blasphemy

Q: When could 'crime' be used to replace 'sin'?

The synonyms crime and sin are sometimes interchangeable, but crime implies a serious offense punishable by the law of the state. // the crime of murder

Q: When would 'offense' be a good substitute for 'sin'?

In some situations, the words offense and sin are roughly equivalent. However, offense applies to the infraction of any law, rule, or code. // at that school no offense went unpunished

Q: Where would 'scandal' be a reasonable alternative to 'sin'?

While in some cases nearly identical to sin , scandal applies to an offense that outrages the public conscience. // a career ruined by a sex scandal

Q: When is 'vice' a more appropriate choice than 'sin'?

The meanings of vice and sin largely overlap; however, vice applies to a habit or practice that degrades or corrupts. // regarded gambling as a vice

Q: How does the noun 'sin' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sin are crime , offense , scandal , and vice . While all these words mean "a transgression of law," sin implies an offense against moral or religious law. // the sin of blasphemy

Q: When could 'crime' be used to replace 'sin'?

The synonyms crime and sin are sometimes interchangeable, but crime implies a serious offense punishable by the law of the state. // the crime of murder

Q: When would 'offense' be a good substitute for 'sin'?

In some situations, the words offense and sin are roughly equivalent. However, offense applies to the infraction of any law, rule, or code. // at that school no offense went unpunished

Q: Where would 'scandal' be a reasonable alternative to 'sin'?

While in some cases nearly identical to sin , scandal applies to an offense that outrages the public conscience. // a career ruined by a sex scandal

Q: When is 'vice' a more appropriate choice than 'sin'?

The meanings of vice and sin largely overlap; however, vice applies to a habit or practice that degrades or corrupts. // regarded gambling as a vice

sin 1 of 2

noun

ˈsin

Definition of sin next

as in crime

a breaking of a moral or legal code a child old enough to know that lying is a sin

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in evil

that which is morally unacceptable a minister who worries that modern society has abandoned the concept of sin

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as in sinfulness

immoral conduct or practices harmful or offensive to society a sordid section of the city that is mainly known for sin and degradation

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as in shame

a regrettable or blameworthy act it's a sin to waste food when people are starving

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as in weakness

a defect in character my besetting sin is impatience—I hate to wait for anything

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sin

2 of 2

verb

as in to trespass

to commit an offense bless me, Father, for I have sinned

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun sin contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sin are crime, offense, scandal, and vice. While all these words mean "a transgression of law," sin implies an offense against moral or religious law.

the sin of blasphemy

When could crime be used to replace sin?

The synonyms crime and sin are sometimes interchangeable, but crime implies a serious offense punishable by the law of the state.

the crime of murder

When would offense be a good substitute for sin?

In some situations, the words offense and sin are roughly equivalent. However, offense applies to the infraction of any law, rule, or code.

at that school no offense went unpunished

Where would scandal be a reasonable alternative to sin?

While in some cases nearly identical to sin, scandal applies to an offense that outrages the public conscience.

a career ruined by a sex scandal

When is vice a more appropriate choice than sin?

The meanings of vice and sin largely overlap; however, vice applies to a habit or practice that degrades or corrupts.

regarded gambling as a vice

How does the noun sin contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sin are crime, offense, scandal, and vice. While all these words mean "a transgression of law," sin implies an offense against moral or religious law.

the sin of blasphemy

When could crime be used to replace sin?

The synonyms crime and sin are sometimes interchangeable, but crime implies a serious offense punishable by the law of the state.

the crime of murder

When would offense be a good substitute for sin?

In some situations, the words offense and sin are roughly equivalent. However, offense applies to the infraction of any law, rule, or code.

at that school no offense went unpunished

Where would scandal be a reasonable alternative to sin?

While in some cases nearly identical to sin, scandal applies to an offense that outrages the public conscience.

a career ruined by a sex scandal

When is vice a more appropriate choice than sin?

The meanings of vice and sin largely overlap; however, vice applies to a habit or practice that degrades or corrupts.

regarded gambling as a vice

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 sin

Noun

The bible writes that Jesus carried the cross to Calvary, where he was crucified and died for the forgiveness of sins. —

Elijah Westbrook, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026 His resurrection signifies victory over sin, death and despair. —

Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 2 Apr. 2026

Verb

The mothers were sometimes sent away to live in Magdalene laundries, where they were often cruelly abused: in these institutions, women and girls who were viewed to have sinned in some way were made to work for little or no pay, washing, ironing and mending locals’ laundry. —

Jade Wilson, The Dial, 21 Oct. 2025 Many societies in the past have linked swearing to blasphemy or sin. —

Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sin

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sin

Noun

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage?

— Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026
The ranger called crime-scene investigators to the location.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2026

Definition of crime

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“Sin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sin. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.

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Synonyms of sin

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What is 'Sin'?

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