wrong 1 of 4

adjective

Definition of wrongnext
1
as in unacceptable
falling short of a standard there is something wrong with this cake—it has a funny taste

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2
as in incorrect
having an opinion that does not agree with truth or the facts I'm sorry, but the latest research proves you wrong

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3
as in inappropriate
not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation has a knack for saying just the wrong thing

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4
as in erroneous
not being in agreement with what is true her answer that Thomas Jefferson was the second president of the United States is wrong—it was John Adams, of course

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5
as in immoral
not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable was caught doing something wrong

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

wrong

2 of 4

noun

ˈrȯŋ How to pronounce wrong (audio)
1
as in bad
that which is morally unacceptable any reasonable person should be expected to know the difference between right and wrong

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in injustice
unfair or inadequate treatment of someone or something or an instance of this trying to right all the wrongs in the world

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

wrong

3 of 4

adverb

as in badly
off the desired or intended path or course all of our carefully laid plans have gone wrong

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wrong

4 of 4

verb

as in to harm

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun wrong contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of wrong are grievance, injury, and injustice. While all these words mean "an act that inflicts undeserved hurt," wrong applies also in law to any act punishable according to the criminal code; it may apply more generally to any flagrant injustice.

determined to right society's wrongs

When might grievance be a better fit than wrong?

The words grievance and wrong are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, grievance applies to a circumstance or condition that constitutes an injustice to the sufferer and gives just ground for complaint.

a list of employee grievances

In what contexts can injury take the place of wrong?

Although the words injury and wrong have much in common, injury applies in law specifically to an injustice for which one may sue to recover compensation.

libel constitutes a legal injury

Where would injustice be a reasonable alternative to wrong?

The synonyms injustice and wrong are sometimes interchangeable, but injustice applies to any act that involves unfairness to another or violation of one's rights.

the injustices suffered by the lower classes

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 wrong
Adjective
Taurus April 20 – May 20 A quick financial check could save you from reacting to the wrong thing. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 11 July 2026 April 20 – May 20 A quick financial check could save you from reacting to the wrong thing. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2026
Noun
Everything that can go wrong goes worse. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 26 June 2026 Though Coley is by no means perfect, Sonya is almost so clearly in the wrong that the film doesn’t need her redemption. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 26 June 2026
Adverb
In the past year, it’s gone wrong twice. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 18 June 2026 Watering your yard might seem simple enough, but lawn care pros say many people are actually doing it wrong without even realizing it. — Cori Sears, The Spruce, 14 June 2026
Verb
This wasn’t an opportunity to defame someone or make this about how I’d been wronged. — Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2026 Trump accidentally made the case that when the government’s policies cause harm, reparations should be paid by the government to make those who were wronged whole again, or that they should be compensated in some way. — Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 21 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for wrong
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wrong
  1. unacceptable
  2. incorrect
  3. inappropriate
  4. erroneous
  5. immoral
  6. bad
  7. injustice
  8. badly
Adjective
  • Democrats have called it an unacceptable gift from a foreign government that is barred by the Constitution, as what is called an emolument.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 8 July 2026
  • Should England go on to win their quarterfinal or entire tournament, their run will be tainted by this scandal, forever laden with an asterisk over this unacceptable atrocity.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of unacceptable
Adjective
  • Inspectors also noticed that cold foods were being held at incorrect temperatures, according to the report.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
  • In the suit, they are referred to as a guidance counselor and principal, which the school district’s attorneys claim is incorrect.
    — Austin Horn July 14, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
Definition of incorrect
Adjective
  • But does that in itself tell us that Bellingham’s comments were somehow wrong or inappropriate?
    — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • The archdiocese also continues to investigate former Bishop Miege President Phil Baniewicz, who was ousted last August after allegations surfaced about inappropriate behavior with a minor.
    — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026
Definition of inappropriate
Adjective
  • Another problem was an erroneous assumption about the longevity of fillers.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026
  • In addition, the trial judge gave the jury erroneous instructions, the appeals court ruled.
    — David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Definition of erroneous
Adjective
  • Some rabbinic readings attribute Lot’s hesitation to leave Sodom to his immoral greed and inordinate wealth.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026
  • Court records show that 60-year-old Bradley Kyle Martin, of Dearborn Heights, is charged with using a computer or internet to communicate with another person to commit a crime and accosting children for immoral purposes.
    — DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 25 June 2026
Definition of immoral
Noun
  • In addition to public goods, AI will also create public bads.
    — James Broughel, Forbes.com, 8 June 2026
  • Naturally, the meeting is a flop because no one was prepared, and their spontaneous ideas are frankly fireable-offense bad (a baguette bag shaped like a baguette for Paris?
    — Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 18 Dec. 2025
Definition of bad
Noun
  • This may be the greatest injustice perpetrated by our political class.
    — Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 8 July 2026
  • Former Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg also spoke about fighting injustice.
    — Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of injustice
Adverb
  • Human and animal circadian rhythms could be badly affected if the sun—or a simulacrum of it—never sets.
    — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 14 July 2026
  • What Peng is arguing is that the AI boom’s boosters — and a lot of investors pricing that boom into equities — may be badly miscalibrated on timing.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 14 July 2026
Definition of badly

Phrases Containing wrong

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written up
wrong
wrongdoer
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Cite this Entry

“Wrong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wrong. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on wrong

Nglish: Translation of wrong for Spanish Speakers

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