wrongful

adjective

ˈrȯŋ-fəl How to pronounce wrongful (audio)
Definition of wrongfulnext
as in unlawful
contrary to or forbidden by law charged with wrongful possession of narcotics

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 wrongful Reyes later joined another former city employee in a wrongful termination lawsuit against Trinidad. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026 Gilman, who was recently designated as a wrongful detainee, was not part of a prisoner exchange, and no other concessions were provided as part of his release, according to the State Department spokesperson. — Mariam Khan, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026 The family is seeking general damages, special and economic damages, and wrongful damages. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Aug. 2026 The family is seeking general damages, special and economic damages and wrongful damages from the defendants, TheWrap reported. — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wrongful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wrongful
  1. unlawful
  2. criminal
  3. illicit
  4. felonious
Adjective
  • Greg Field, a 27-year LAPD veteran and director of the Police Transportation Motor Transport Division, noted the sync systems are useful for mass messages, such as at a fire evacuation or an unlawful assembly.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026
  • McFadden is currently charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, robbery, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
    — Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of unlawful
Adjective
  • Informal mining is a deep problem in South Africa and is connected to criminal syndicates, according to authorities.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Bad actors rely on their platforms to distribute illicit products, facilitate fraud and fund criminal activity.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of criminal
Adjective
  • Officials with family connections abroad have long been a target of Beijing’s anti-corruption watchdog – oversight designed to eliminate the opportunity to transfer illicit funds abroad.
    — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Vietnam is a major hub for the illicit trade of wildlife, dead and alive.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of illicit
Adjective
  • Zachary Robert Stacer, 22, was arrested on July 30 and charged with two counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm, three counts of felonious assault and five counts of resisting and obstructing a police officer.
    — Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • At his sentencing, Cuyahoga County Assistant Prosecutor Connor Davin recounted Loftis’ long history of criminal convictions, which included charges of assault on a peace officer, drug trafficking, felonious assault and armed robbery.
    — Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026
Definition of felonious

Browse Nearby Words

wronged
wrongful
wrongfulness
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Cite this Entry

“Wrongful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wrongful. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on wrongful

Nglish: Translation of wrongful for Spanish Speakers

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