misdeed

noun

mis·​deed ˌmis-ˈdēd 

: a wrong deed : offense

Synonyms

• breach
• crime
• debt
• error
• lawbreaking
• malefaction
• misdoing
• offense
• offence
• sin
• transgression
• trespass
• violation
• wrongdoing

Examples of misdeed in a Sentence

She threatened to expose to the public the misdeeds he had committed.

punished for her misdeeds by the church elders

Recent Examples on the Web

This is how public perception is manipulated to support the oppressor and disparage the oppressed, but the Empire isn’t happy with just widespread support for its misdeeds. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 May 2025

Despite what some headlines may say, President Donald Trump's vision to hold the CCP accountable for its misdeeds and defend our role in the global economy is critical for the future of our nation. —Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025

For Facebook employee Frances Haugen, finding an ally meant teaming up with Wall Street Journal reporter Jeff Horwitz, a specialist in tech who had been writing about Facebook’s misdeeds for some time. —Kate Kenny, The Conversation, 29 Apr. 2025

Beaumont leverages his knowledge of Walker’s past misdeeds to strong-arm him into recovering Charlie. —Andy Crump, Time, 26 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for misdeed

• accede
• agreed
• airspeed
• alkyd
• bindweed
• chickweed
• concede
• decreed
• duckweed
• exceed
• flaxseed
• impede

Kids Definition

misdeed

noun

mis·​deed (ˈ)mis-ˈdēd 

: an evil or illegal deed