WRONG Synonyms: 600 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'wrong' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of wrong are grievance , injury , and injustice . While all these words mean "an act that inflicts undeserved hurt," wrong applies also in law to any act punishable according to the criminal code; it may apply more generally to any flagrant injustice. // determined to right society's wrongs

Q: When might 'grievance' be a better fit than 'wrong'?

The words grievance and wrong are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, grievance applies to a circumstance or condition that constitutes an injustice to the sufferer and gives just ground for complaint. // a list of employee grievances

Q: In what contexts can 'injury' take the place of 'wrong'?

Although the words injury and wrong have much in common, injury applies in law specifically to an injustice for which one may sue to recover compensation. // libel constitutes a legal injury

Q: Where would 'injustice' be a reasonable alternative to 'wrong'?

The synonyms injustice and wrong are sometimes interchangeable, but injustice applies to any act that involves unfairness to another or violation of one's rights. // the injustices suffered by the lower classes

wrong 1 of 4

adjective

Definition of wrong next

as in unacceptable

falling short of a standard there is something wrong with this cake—it has a funny taste

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Relevance

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as in incorrect

having an opinion that does not agree with truth or the facts I'm sorry, but the latest research proves you wrong

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as in inappropriate

not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation has a knack for saying just the wrong thing

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as in erroneous

not being in agreement with what is true her answer that Thomas Jefferson was the second president of the United States is wrong—it was John Adams, of course

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as in immoral

not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable was caught doing something wrong

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wrong

2 of 4

noun

ˈrȯŋ

as in bad

that which is morally unacceptable any reasonable person should be expected to know the difference between right and wrong

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as in injustice

unfair or inadequate treatment of someone or something or an instance of this trying to right all the wrongs in the world

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wrong

3 of 4

adverb

as in badly

off the desired or intended path or course all of our carefully laid plans have gone wrong

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wrong

4 of 4

verb

as in to harm

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun wrong contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of wrong are grievance, injury, and injustice. While all these words mean "an act that inflicts undeserved hurt," wrong applies also in law to any act punishable according to the criminal code; it may apply more generally to any flagrant injustice.

determined to right society's wrongs

When might grievance be a better fit than wrong?

The words grievance and wrong are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, grievance applies to a circumstance or condition that constitutes an injustice to the sufferer and gives just ground for complaint.

a list of employee grievances

In what contexts can injury take the place of wrong?

Although the words injury and wrong have much in common, injury applies in law specifically to an injustice for which one may sue to recover compensation.

libel constitutes a legal injury

Where would injustice be a reasonable alternative to wrong?

The synonyms injustice and wrong are sometimes interchangeable, but injustice applies to any act that involves unfairness to another or violation of one's rights.

the injustices suffered by the lower classes

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 wrong

Adjective

Fans expect to be entertained, and talking about social and cultural issues can often hit a wrong note, particularly in an era when consumers are more tribal and polarized. —

Brian Steinberg, Variety, 10 Feb. 2025 What is the appropriate thing to do or say when one’s restaurant order is wrong? —

Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2025

Noun

The Grammys have an opportunity to right this wrong. —

Samantha Allen, Them, 31 Jan. 2025 This executive order begins to rectify that wrong by opening up opportunities for students to attend the school that best fits their needs. —

Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2025

Adverb

According to Gallup, companies get executive hires wrong an astounding 82% of the time. —

Rhett Power, Forbes, 6 Oct. 2024 Selling millions of food items every week means millions of opportunities for things to go wrong every day. —

Seth Goldman, TIME, 2 Oct. 2024

Verb

These women don’t seem to consider those who have wronged them to be their antagonists: Eddie is a sympathetic character despite having to close Shelly’s revue, Maria’s critics rarely faze her, and Sue continues to chase the approval of the network executive who fired Elisabeth. —

Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 8 Jan. 2025 The same applies to others who may have wronged you. —

Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for wrong

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wrong

Adjective

Many of them will likely be seen in Kyiv as unacceptable.

— Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 18 Feb. 2025
Without any supporting facts alleging, political impropriety, unacceptable public safety threats, national security concerns, and the potential failure of not executing federal immigration initiatives and policies, all of which will have an impact on Adams’ ability to govern NYC.

— Arnold Kriss, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2025