1
as in wrongdoing
improper or illegal behavior
some rough play got the hockey player fined for misconduct on the ice
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
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
as in to abuse
to manage badly
misconducted the polar expedition and paid for his mistakes with his life
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of misconduct
Jen Juneau, People.com, 17 Feb. 2025
The speculation ceased when Baldoni and Lively began directly accusing each other of misconduct.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 17 Feb. 2025
Controversy surrounding the county’s first Latina sheriff began late last year when deputies and union members accused her of misconduct, corruption, and workplace harassment.
—Ryan MacAsero, The Mercury News, 14 Feb. 2025
Inspectors general report to their agency head and Congress, allegations of misconduct by their office are referred to the integrity committee of the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency.
—Cara Tabachnick, CBS News, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for misconduct
Noun
These concepts normalize and trivialize allegations of serious misconduct.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for misconduct
Noun
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The names include presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump, who strenuously deny any wrongdoing.—
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Benn had tested positive for clomiphene, a fertility drug used by women who struggle to ovulate, but repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.—
Noun
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At the time of the case, Bryant admitted to adultery with a 19-year-old resort hotel worker in Colorado but denied the rape allegations, always maintaining that the encounter was consensual.—
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The article included other remarks related to Carter’s faith − such as the importance of the separation of church and state, a conviction born of Carter’s Southern Baptist upbringing − but the adultery comment opened a rift with Carter’s kin in Christ.—
Verb
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The suit alleged Combs raped, drugged and physically abused her, the latter claim being supported by a 2016 hotel video obtained and released by CNN last year of the music producer dragging and hitting the singer.—
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While fentanyl is not widely abused in Mexico, methamphetamine addiction is commonplace.—
Verb
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The Hoover Desk During former President Herbert Hoover's presidency in 1929, a fire severely damaged the West Wing of the White House, including the Oval Office.—
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Too much irritation can inflame and damage the airway, potentially resulting in breathing issues.—
Verb
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Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey was among those saying the group had not violated any laws.—
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Investigators subsequently tracked down and arrested Nathan on a charge of violating an injunction barring contact with the child and her mother.—
Verb
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The extreme risks taken by the production team inadvertently spotlighted the consequences of mismanaging wildlife instead of drawing attention to conservation.—
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Newsom accused Trump and his allies of spreading misinformation about the source of the fires, and Trump in turn accused Newsom and local officials of mismanaging the wildfire response.—
Cite this Entry
“Misconduct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misconduct. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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