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
Until 1946, most citizens seeking compensation for a negligent or wrongful act by a civil servant could get it only through a literal act of Congress, case by case.
—
Andy Rose, CNN Money, 25 Jan. 2026
Attorney Janis Puracal specializes in evidence that can lead to wrongful convictions.
—Sarah Prior, CBS News, 25 Jan. 2026
The truck driver was convicted of vehicular manslaughter, but the Cobles’ wrongful-death lawsuit against Caltrans, arguing that faulty freeway design led to the backup their car was in when the big rig came around the bend, was lost in a jury trial.
—Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 24 Jan. 2026
According to the Death Penalty Information Center, at least 200 innocent people who were sentenced to death row after 1973 have since been exonerated, nearly paying for their wrongful conviction with their life.
—Yosha Gunasekera, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wrongful
Andy Rose, CNN Money, 25 Jan. 2026
Attorney Janis Puracal specializes in evidence that can lead to wrongful convictions.
—Sarah Prior, CBS News, 25 Jan. 2026
The truck driver was convicted of vehicular manslaughter, but the Cobles’ wrongful-death lawsuit against Caltrans, arguing that faulty freeway design led to the backup their car was in when the big rig came around the bend, was lost in a jury trial.
—Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 24 Jan. 2026
According to the Death Penalty Information Center, at least 200 innocent people who were sentenced to death row after 1973 have since been exonerated, nearly paying for their wrongful conviction with their life.
—Yosha Gunasekera, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wrongful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wrongful
Adjective
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The unlawful taking of items from a machine or device that is operated or activated by the use of coins.—
Baltimore Sun staff,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Jan. 2026
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Mississippi officials have argued that the state law is not preempted, while the RNC has urged the high court to strike down the Magnolia State’s law, along with similar ones in other states, as unlawful.—
Jack Birle,
The Washington Examiner,
30 Jan. 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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The sheriff said investigators are not ruling out foul play and noted that the circumstances were serious enough to involve the department’s criminal investigation unit.—
Bradford Betz , Stephen Sorace,
FOXNews.com,
2 Feb. 2026
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The findings do not determine civil or criminal responsibility.—
Hema Sivanandam,
Mercury News,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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In a separate January operation, the FBI Milwaukee Area Safe Streets Task Force executed five residential search warrants and arrested four Latin Kings members for drug trafficking and firearm possession charges, while seizing 10 firearms and more than $120,000 in illicit funds.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
30 Jan. 2026
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Since the dawn of time, the romance of railways has seduced poets, spellbound novelists, and dealt directors the perfect hand for capturing fleeting friendships, illicit affairs, and all manner of crimes and capers.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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In court, Wenger has accused prosecutors of targeting him for attempting to expose wrongdoing at the Antioch police department, but two juries convicted him of felonious crimes, including steroid distribution and conspiracy to violate civil rights.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
27 Jan. 2026
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The teen faced charges in Hamilton County Juvenile Court, including murder and felonious assault, and prosecutors had been seeking to send his case to adult court.—
Kevin Grasha,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Wrongful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wrongful. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
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