felony

noun

Definition of felonynext
as in crime
law a serious criminal act (such as murder or rape) The crime is considered a felony under state law. He was convicted of committing a felony.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 felony Rioters have typically been ordered to pay $500 if found guilty of a misdemeanor or $2,000 if convicted of a felony to the Architect of the Capitol to recompense for the damage. — Ella Lee, The Hill, 13 Apr. 2025 Having been previously convicted of a felony, Juarez was barred from possessing firearms or ammunition. — Jason Green, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2025 He was charged with negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run and reckless operation of a vehicle. — Raven Brunner, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025 Lacy was facing charges of negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run and reckless operation of a vehicle. — David Ubben, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for felony
Recent Examples of Synonyms for felony
  1. crime
  2. trespass
  3. misdemeanor
  4. violation
Noun
  • The Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station watch commander informed the Times no crime had taken place at the residence.
    — Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Based on the investigation so far, Arlington police believe the attack on Adeyemo-Azeez — by a man released on bond after a previous violent crime — was random.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of crime
Noun
  • The suspect faces additional charges including grand theft, armed trespass and possession of a firearm by a minor, according to the news release.
    — Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Charles was once a player on the New York Knicks for 10 seasons, and in February 2017, he was arrested on three counts of assault and one count of criminal trespass following an altercation with security.
    — Liza Esquibias, People.com, 24 Mar. 2025
Definition of trespass
Noun
  • Lynchburg Commonwealth’s Attorney Office confirmed to Fox News Digital Wednesday that one misdemeanor charge of assault and battery jad been filed over the incident.
    — Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Sullivan is due back in court on March 26 to answer felony charges of assault in the first degree, kidnapping in the second degree and unlawful restraint in the first degree and misdemeanor counts of cruelty to persons and reckless endangerment in the first degree.
    — Chris Spargo, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of misdemeanor
Noun
  • For example, in February, a coalition of 14 state attorneys general filed a lawsuit questioning DOGE's authority to restructure or dissolve federal agencies without congressional approval, alleging violations of the Appointments Clause.
    — Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
  • That came after Twins pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson was given a pitch-clock violation that led to a walk for the Royals’ Jonathan India.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of violation

Browse Nearby Words

felons
felony
felt
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Cite this Entry

“Felony.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/felony. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on felony

Nglish: Translation of felony for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about felony

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