Meaning & use
misdemeanor
A criminal offense that is less serious than a felony, usually punishable by a fine or a short jail sentence.
See it in a sentence
Shoplifting a small item was charged as a misdemeanor rather than a felony.
He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and paid a fine instead of serving time.
A note on using this word
American English spells it misdemeanor, and it is used within a legal system that separates it clearly from more serious felony charges.
Words with a similar meaning
offense
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
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