wrongdoing

noun

ˈrȯŋ-ˌdü-iŋ How to pronounce wrongdoing (audio)
Definition of wrongdoingnext
1
as in crime
a breaking of a moral or legal code a local newspaper exposed the contractor's elaborate attempts to cover up his wrongdoings

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in misconduct
improper or illegal behavior the police officer was found to be completely innocent of any wrongdoing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 wrongdoing Major League Baseball and federal law enforcement have cleared Ohtani of any wrongdoing. — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 28 July 2026 This changes the dynamics of employee wrongdoing cases, and the costs. — Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 For one, Justin Sun invested $45 million in World Liberty Financial and then the SEC settled a fraud case being brought against him for $10 million with no wrongdoing admitted. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 27 July 2026 Kelli, the ultimate foot soldier, deflects from Shamea’s wrongdoings by bringing up Angela’s accusation in Scotland that Shamea slept with George, whose wife, Ashley, is conveniently sitting next to them at the party. — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for wrongdoing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wrongdoing
  1. crime
  2. misconduct
  3. violation
  4. sin
Noun
  • Michael was arrested two days later, per Denver TV station KUSA, and charged with first-degree murder, use of a weapon in a violent crime, theft of $100 to $500, and abuse of a corpse.
    — Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Instead of dwelling on the crime, the owners decided to respond with humor, posting the video on Instagram with a mock 0-star review for the burglary crew.
    — Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of crime
Noun
  • And third, judges can remove that person for serious misconduct.
    — Reid Kress Weisbord, Fortune, 31 July 2026
  • For more than a year, California school administrators have lobbied lawmakers for a better way to protect students from those with a history of misconduct.
    — Holly McDede, ProPublica, 31 July 2026
Definition of misconduct
Noun
  • The lawsuit asserts claims for breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and violations of state and local laws protecting freelance workers, as well as California’s Unfair Competition Law.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Grisham is currently suing Miller over violations of the terms of a confidential settlement related to his defamation case against her.
    — Rachel Scott, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of violation
Noun
  • In the film, however, Odysseus’s falsehoods have dire consequences, an apparent reflection of the biblical assertion that false witness is a sin.
    — Luis Parrales, The Atlantic, 26 July 2026
  • Drawing from Baldwin’s own experiences, the novel explores a young man’s spiritual and personal awakening while examining the lasting impact of history, sin, and love.
    — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 24 July 2026
Definition of sin

Browse Nearby Words

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wrongdoing
wrongdoings
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Cite this Entry

“Wrongdoing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wrongdoing. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on wrongdoing

Nglish: Translation of wrongdoing for Spanish Speakers

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