sins 1 of 2

noun

plural of sin
1
as in crimes
a breaking of a moral or legal code a child old enough to know that lying is a sin

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2
as in evils
that which is morally unacceptable a minister who worries that modern society has abandoned the concept of sin

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3
as in shames
a regrettable or blameworthy act it's a sin to waste food when people are starving

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4
as in weaknesses
a defect in character my besetting sin is impatience—I hate to wait for anything

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sins

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of sin
as in trespasses
to commit an offense bless me, Father, for I have sinned

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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 sins
Noun
Among Ashley’s many sins, none were more wicked than the alienation of club legends, particularly Keegan. — James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026 That creates a dangerous possibility of AI as the ultimate seven-sins machine. — Regan Peng, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026 The big mic drop at the conclusion of the finale turns out that Paula is a stone-cold (if possibly accidental) killer after all, and that the shadowy Souter Group is going to make her pay for her sins. — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 15 July 2026 The woman’s love and affection, as well as her genuine repentance, won his absolution of her sins. — Eric Bashor, Christian Science Monitor, 13 July 2026 But there are plenty of sins against the rules of cinematic chastity that marked that movement, such as the ample space made for Lasse Aagaard’s affecting, low-key score that amps up the anxiety as Vibeke starts to spiral. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026 Still, the tour doesn’t shy away from the mission’s sins over its 250 years, demystifying how supposedly carefree life was during the height of its operations before the United States conquered Mexico. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026 The angels, still in disguise as men, inform Lot that the city will be destroyed as punishment for its sins. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026 Do not allow the sins of the past to overwhelm, to drown the present. — Literary Hub, 16 June 2026
Verb
John DeWitt, the four-star general who oversaw the internment program, in particular, seems to be a forerunner to some of America's worst errors, paranoia, sins. — Philip Elliott, Time, 1 Dec. 2025 God’s likeness, which is our true, spiritual identity, never sins and is never punished. — Tony Lobl, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Feb. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sins
  1. crimes
  2. evils
  3. shames
  4. weaknesses
  5. falls
  6. violations
  7. wrongs
  8. faults
Noun
  • For Luis Javier Santos, the former head of UFERCO who investigated the case against Hernández, the former leader’s return represents a failure to prosecute him for his crimes, rather than a chance for justice.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 July 2026
  • Because of his previous felonies, though none for violent crimes, Pfister could now be defined as a habitual offender under Michigan law and faces prison.
    — Kyung Lah, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
Definition of crimes
Noun
  • During the War for Independence, the tribe saw the British as the lesser of two evils.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • So please get ready for a choice of evils.
    — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
Definition of evils
Noun
  • While his character jokes casually about the shames of flying commercial, Ruck apologizes several times when referencing that, after 40 years of acting, work trips are often flown first class.
    — Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Nov. 2021
Definition of shames
Noun
  • And in crafting the best strategy, Dusty was a pro and breaking down the film on his competitors, finding their weaknesses and leaning into those to create his advantages.
    — George Deeb, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • The case exposed serious weaknesses in financial oversight and shook public confidence in institutions responsible for protecting taxpayer dollars.
    — Malia M Cohen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 July 2026
Definition of weaknesses
Verb
  • This unique trend sees AI adoption rise while trust falls, fueling widespread demand for accountability and human oversight.
    — Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • As several experts have told CNN, when a drug trafficking leader falls, there are always many others available to succeed him, so the criminal organization – at least for now – remains active.
    — Sol Amaya, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Definition of falls
Noun
  • The suit alleges violations of her First Amendment rights and that she was discriminated against because of her Muslim religion.
    — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026
  • The case was about violations of UNCLOS, which covers the rights of states related to business, environment, natural resources, and freedom of navigation.
    — Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of violations
Noun
  • Jobs will be won and lost over the next six weeks, as the Lions attempt to right the wrongs that led to a NFC North fourth-place finish in 2025.
    — Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Cox’s observation accompanied a new report the LDF released last week along with the New York Civil Liberties Union on how the state can right its wrongs.
    — Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 18 July 2026
Definition of wrongs
Noun
  • Other studies Even after the 2005 study from Japan, scientists continued trying to understand the faults that run across Venezuela and how its population could stay safe in the event of future earthquakes.
    — Syra Ortiz-Blanes, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026
  • Thus, in this novel, the Vanstone sisters are constantly prevented from achieving their ultimate goals of domesticity, through no faults of their own.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 July 2026
Definition of faults

Browse Nearby Words

sinning
sins
sin tax
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Cite this Entry

“Sins.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sins. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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