MISCONDUCT Synonyms: 99 Similar and Opposite Words

misconduct 1 of 2

noun

ˌmis-ˈkän-(ˌ)dəkt

Definition of misconduct

as in wrongdoing

improper or illegal behavior some rough play got the hockey player fined for misconduct on the ice

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in adultery

a sexual encounter or relationship between a married person and someone other than their spouse both parties cited misconduct as the reason for the divorce

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

misconduct

2 of 2

verb

as in to abuse

to manage badly misconducted the polar expedition and paid for his mistakes with his life

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 misconduct

Noun

The Secret Service’s communications director and two other agency officials have been placed on leave amid an investigation into potential misconduct. — Josh Feldman, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026 The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) announced on Wednesday that Craig Guildford is being investigated alongside three WMP officers and a staff member for gross misconduct over the controversial ban last November. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Verb

In addition, referees were instructed to apply the rules regarding fouls and misconducts more strictly – a move meant to protect players and their inventiveness. — Cesar R. Torres, The Conversation, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for misconduct

Recent Examples of Synonyms for misconduct

Noun

West has denied wrongdoing and asked the court to dismiss the claims.

— Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Baldoni denied wrongdoing and accused Lively of concocting false allegations as part of an effort to wrest creative control of the film.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of wrongdoing

Noun

Because of its unfiltered depictions of sexuality, inappropriate relationships, and adultery, the 1971 film received a chilly response in conservative communities; however, it was applauded by critics and earned eight Oscar nominations.

— Air Mail, Air Mail, 22 Aug. 2026
Leontes, the king of Sicilia, has baselessly accused his wife, Hermione, of adultery, and the consequences have been dire.

— Sara Holdren, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of adultery

Verb

The City Council instructed the city attorney to regulate phenibut, a drug that’s available at gas stations and being abused as a nervous system depressant.

— Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Communities from Lansing, Michigan, to Pflugerville, Texas, are ending their relationship with Flock, largely over concerns regarding out-of-control surveillance, unwanted data sharing, high expenses, and reports of police abusing the tool.

— Cyrus Farivar, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of abuse

Noun

Nearly all are requiring ethics courses along the way — as educators continue to grapple with cheating and with fears that heavy AI use will erode critical thinking.

— Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Still another cheating method under consideration was to gain access to the Internet, where the agents could do research.

— Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of cheating

Verb

Maiquetía International airport, outside Caracas, was damaged from twin earthquakes on June 24 that devastated the country.

— Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
The flooding inundated areas along the Trishuli River, burying some buildings and damaging bridges and roadways.

— Jon Haworth, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of damage

Verb

In its March 9 lawsuit, Anthropic alleged the government violated its right to free speech under the First Amendment to the Constitution by retaliating against its views on AI safety.

— Reuters, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026
The administration is appealing a June ruling by a lower court that the ban probably violated the troops’ constitutional rights and cannot be enforced against those currently serving while the litigation continues.

— Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of violate

Verb

Founders often mismanage their crucial first sales hire, mistakenly seeking candidates suited for large corporations.

— Kate Morgan, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Target has been criticized for mismanaging inventory, under-investing in stores and falling behind on the trendy, eye-catching merchandise the retailer built its name on.

— Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 22 June 2026