misdeeds
Acts requiring atonement
Misdeeds are wrongful acts—offenses against morality, law, or proper conduct.
The word has a slightly formal or literary flavor, often appearing in contexts of accusation or confession: The politician's misdeeds finally came to light.
Misdeeds tend to be serious but not necessarily criminal; they suggest moral failure as much as legal violation.
Violation of law or code
- immoralityQuality of being wicked
- viceBad habit or deputy
- iniquityMoral wrongdoing, grave injustice
- depravityProfound moral corruption
wrongdoing · dishonesty · deception · betrayal · wickedness · sinfulness · unethical · nefariousness
Serious criminal offense
- theftUnlawful taking of property
- burglaryIllegal entry to commit crime
- assaultViolent offensive act
- fraudIntentional criminal trickery
arson · kidnapping · homicide · robbery · vandalism · embezzlement · larceny · manslaughter
Violation of divine law
- transgressionViolation of law or code
- blasphemyIrreverence toward the sacred
- idolatryVeneration of false gods
- gluttonyGreedy excess in consumption
lust · greed · sloth · wrath · envy · pride · covetousness · impurity
Corrupt payment for influence
- graftIllicit political gain
- kickbacksIllegal return payments
- extortionObtaining through threats
- nepotismPreferring kin in hiring
cronyism · kleptocracy · patronage · payola · profiteering · racketeering · scandal · skimming
Moral self-reproach
- remorseGuilt for wrongdoing
- shamePainful awareness of failure
- contritionRemorseful state over misdeeds
- penitenceRemorse for misdeeds
regret · atonement · confession · repentance · punishment · retribution · restitution · redemption
Judicial examination of claims
- verdictOfficial court decision
- courtTrial venue or sports surface
- judgeOne who decides
- juryLegal decision-making body
sentencing · prosecution · defendant · accused · indictment · conviction · acquittal · testimony
transgression
Violation of law or code
- immoralityQuality of being wicked
- viceBad habit or deputy
- iniquityMoral wrongdoing, grave injustice
depravity · wrongdoing · dishonesty · deception · betrayal · wickedness · sinfulness · unethical · nefariousness · malefaction
felony
Serious criminal offense
fraud · arson · kidnapping · homicide · robbery · vandalism · embezzlement · larceny · manslaughter · trafficking
sin
Violation of divine law
- transgressionViolation of law or code
- blasphemyIrreverence toward the sacred
- idolatryVeneration of false gods
gluttony · lust · greed · sloth · wrath · envy · pride · covetousness · impurity · profanity
bribery
Corrupt payment for influence
nepotism · cronyism · kleptocracy · patronage · payola · profiteering · racketeering · scandal · skimming · sleaze
guilt
Moral self-reproach
- remorseGuilt for wrongdoing
- shamePainful awareness of failure
- contritionRemorseful state over misdeeds
penitence · regret · atonement · confession · repentance · punishment · retribution · restitution · redemption · absolution
trial
Judicial examination of claims
jury · sentencing · prosecution · defendant · accused · indictment · conviction · acquittal · testimony · evidence
misdeedsgood deeds
Helpful, moral actions
righteous acts · good works · virtues · charitable acts · kindnesses