crooked 1 of 2

Definition of crookednext
1
2
3
4
as in dishonest
marked by, based on, or done by the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value a crooked scheme to bill the government for medical services never performed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

crooked

2 of 2

verb

past tense of crook

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 crooked
Adjective
The set design is intricate and distorted—visible paintbrush strokes, acute angles, crooked lines—lending the film a surreal quality and supporting its cast of expressive actors, exaggerated costuming, and eerie makeup. Air Mail, 30 May 2026 Falter struggled, but he also wasn’t helped by a replay review that helped the Yankees put up a crooked number in the first inning. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2026
Verb
Two days after the Knicks were booed frequently while trailing by 30 points in the first half of their 114-97 loss to Dallas, the scoreboard was crooked in their favor. CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026 Her most unusual feature was her teeth, which were crooked in a way that reminded me of a spiral staircase. Literary Hub, 20 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for crooked
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crooked
Adjective
  • With curved teardrop shapes, floral accents, and leaf motifs, its design works especially well for the spring and summer seasons, though its abstract, ornamental pattern can be displayed during cooler months as well.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 27 June 2026
  • After following along the curved layers in the scan, researchers then virtually flatten the scrolls and explore them using advanced AI that has been trained to identify ink on the page.
    Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Representing Daniell, attorney Chris Timmons said the lawsuit centers on what his client alleges was a fraudulent transfer of the property's ownership.
    Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 26 June 2026
  • Thomas and Ballard showed authorities fraudulent credentials to an unrelated sporting event, the affidavit said.
    Sofia Saric June 25, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Compared with tilted plastic rafts used in warmer climates, this design attaches flexible solar panels directly to thick, waterproof foam sheets, reducing wind exposure.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 June 2026
  • Citi maintained that risks to oil prices remain tilted to the upside, as Iran retains significant control over the timing and terms of any potential agreement to reopen the critical Strait of Hormuz energy route.
    Sam Meredith,Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 10 May 2026
Adjective
  • An honest summary would still pass the buck to the voters on a grossly dishonest scheme, but at least the voters might recognize a description that doesn’t cajole, coax and mislead them.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2026
  • What is obvious is that the only thing as dishonest as FIFA’s insistence that the breaks are only because of its concerns about players’ health is FIFA’s claiming that the stoppages don’t impact matches.
    Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • And the floor at the top is gently arched, which is pretty cool.
    Robert Annis, Midwest Living, 31 May 2026
  • Iceland emerged much later when a plume of unusually hot mantle rock arched the ridge up above the gathering waves.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 26 May 2026
Adjective
  • Freddie Otash has been something of a twisted muse for you.
    Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
  • That feeling is only intensified by Xang’s under-his-breath threats and twisted meditations that come across more like free-car witchcraft.
    Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Despite criticism over opaque and deceptive practices, prediction markets’ election favorites won most of the time, a Washington Post analysis found; more liquid in betting markets improves their accuracy, economists told CNN, but could carry negative social costs.
    Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 23 June 2026
  • This is the essence of GPS spoofing, in which an attacker floods a GPS receiver with deceptive signals.
    Zita Ballinger Fletcher, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • If visible pores or uneven texture is a concern for you at all, this primer is the ultimate solution.
    Jenna Curcio, InStyle, 25 June 2026
  • As with that earlier boom-and-bust cycle, the AI landscape is likely to yield uneven outcomes, according to Qian Wang, global head of capital market research at Vanguard, and senior global economist Kevin Khang.
    Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 25 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Crooked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crooked. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on crooked

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster