as in unlawful
contrary to or forbidden by law
charged with wrongful possession of narcotics
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of wrongful
The arc of a wrongful-conviction story bends toward exoneration and release—a flawed but heartening correction of past wrongs.
—
Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2026
As a newspaper reporter, he had been trained to find as many cases as possible involving similar wrongful behavior to establish a pattern within the legal system.
—Dan Kelly, Kansas City Star, 17 Feb. 2026
Curiosity Rights and United Heroes are set to adapt the book, about the murder of 11-year-old Lesley Molseed and the subsequent wrongful conviction of Stefan Kiszko, for television.
—K.j. Yossman, Variety, 17 Feb. 2026
Even if a case is determined wrongful, there is no guarantee of release.
—Greg Norman-Diamond, FOXNews.com, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wrongful
Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2026
As a newspaper reporter, he had been trained to find as many cases as possible involving similar wrongful behavior to establish a pattern within the legal system.
—Dan Kelly, Kansas City Star, 17 Feb. 2026
Curiosity Rights and United Heroes are set to adapt the book, about the murder of 11-year-old Lesley Molseed and the subsequent wrongful conviction of Stefan Kiszko, for television.
—K.j. Yossman, Variety, 17 Feb. 2026
Even if a case is determined wrongful, there is no guarantee of release.
—Greg Norman-Diamond, FOXNews.com, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wrongful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wrongful
Adjective
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FedEx called its suit a procedural step to protect its customers, shareholders and the company, noting that the CIT’s ruling made clear that companies must file suit to seek reliquidation and a refund if the Supreme Court deemed the tariffs unlawful.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
27 Feb. 2026
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Ortiz Betancourt has an additional misdemeanor count of operation of a motor vehicle by an unlicensed driver, while Torrealba-Pajaro has misdemeanor counts of resisting law enforcement and unlawful encroachment on a law enforcement officer.—
Meredith Colias-Pete,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Louisville police say anything that goes into the air or explodes is illegal for average citizens.—
James Bruggers,
The Courier-Journal,
5 July 2017
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Official fireworks shows took place over the city, and illegal pyrotechnics lit up the sky everywhere in between.—
Lisa Beebe,
Los Angeles Magazine,
5 July 2017
Adjective
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Maxwell’s attorneys said the Justice Department obtained the documents — otherwise subject to secrecy orders — improperly during its criminal investigation of Maxwell.—
Michael R. Sisak,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Feb. 2026
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Failure to comply could result in civil and criminal penalties.—
Virginia Hammerle,
Dallas Morning News,
22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Other clips show dozens of containers throughout the illicit facility, and vessels filled with unknown substances.—
Kerry Breen,
CBS News,
26 Feb. 2026
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On Wednesday, his administration imposed new sanctions on 30 people and companies accused of enabling Iran’s production of ballistic missiles and drones, and illicit oil sales.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Caleb Flynn was charged with murder, two counts of felonious assault with a deadly weapon and two counts of tampering with evidence.—
Adam Sabes,
FOXNews.com,
21 Feb. 2026
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Caleb Flynn is charged with one count of murder, two counts of felonious assault with a deadly weapon, and two counts of tampering with evidence.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Wrongful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wrongful. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
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