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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of misconduct
Jill Lawless, Fortune, 7 Feb. 2026
Johnson’s executive order directs Chicago police to collect evidence, investigate and potentially refer for felony prosecution criminal charges against federal immigration agents accused of misconduct.
—Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
The ride-hailing company has said it should not be held liable for the misconduct of drivers, who are classified as contractors on its platform.
—Samantha Subin, CNBC, 6 Feb. 2026
The exchanges between the pair have led police to launch an investigation into potential misconduct in office.
—Diana Paulsen, ABC News, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for misconduct
Noun
Now British police are investigating whether Mandelson committed misconduct in public office by passing on sensitive government information to Epstein.
—Jill Lawless, Fortune, 7 Feb. 2026
Johnson’s executive order directs Chicago police to collect evidence, investigate and potentially refer for felony prosecution criminal charges against federal immigration agents accused of misconduct.
—Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
The ride-hailing company has said it should not be held liable for the misconduct of drivers, who are classified as contractors on its platform.
—Samantha Subin, CNBC, 6 Feb. 2026
The exchanges between the pair have led police to launch an investigation into potential misconduct in office.
—Diana Paulsen, ABC News, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for misconduct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for misconduct
Noun
-
Trump, former President Bill Clinton and others are mentioned in the files without credible accusations of wrongdoing.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The files referenced by Khanna and reviewed by CBS News — which have now been partially un-redacted to reveal the six names — do not appear to directly implicate the six men in any crimes, and Khanna did not allege any specific criminal wrongdoing.—
Jacob Rosen,
CBS News,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Ken Paxton, a Republican running for the Senate, denied the adultery allegations.—
Jane Harper,
Dallas Morning News,
15 Jan. 2026
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The book presents itself as a comic take on the classic adultery novel and a send-up of a narrow, self-conscious group of downwardly mobile New Yorkers.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Videos and photos seized from Epstein's homes in New York, Florida and the Virgin Islands didn't depict victims being abused or implicate anyone else in his crimes, a prosecutor wrote in one 2025 memo.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Feb. 2026
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At least two women who were prostituted and abused by Epstein and his clients had Colorado connections.—
Noelle Phillips,
Denver Post,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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An honor council, comprised of administrators, teachers, and members of the student government, would sit in judgment on cases of alleged cheating.—
Nell Freudenberger,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
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In the wake of the cheating, FIS has modified its rules and brought in a coordinator to oversee screening of gear and hired former Austrian ski jumper Mathias Hafele to work as equipment expert.—
Brian Melley,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In some cases, UNIFIL vehicles were damaged.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Feb. 2026
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During media interviews after Sunday’s win, Johnson revealed that her gold medal was already damaged.—
Rachel Roberts,
Idaho Statesman,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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If the director and board both agree the investigation showed police policy was violated, the Cincinnati city manager will make a final decision regarding punishment, if warranted.—
Matthew Cupelli,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
9 Feb. 2026
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Cross later filed a federal lawsuit against Nanos, claiming the sheriff violated his First Amendment rights.—
Peter D'Abrosca , Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
But a ruling class that systematically blinds itself to the most profound longings of human beings will misunderstand and misgovern those under its sway.—
Benjamin and Jenna Storey,
WSJ,
12 Oct. 2021
Verb
-
The power grid— privatized, mismanaged, and politically entangled—fails with alarming regularity.—
Israel Melendez Ayala,
Time,
30 Jan. 2026
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Her ability to mismanage several things at once is truly remarkable.—
John Phillips,
Oc Register,
20 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Misconduct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misconduct. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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