crooked 1 of 2

Definition of crookednext
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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

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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
And ‘Meet the Press’ is crooked. Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026 Come for the cast, stay for the hatred of Neeson's crooked con. Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 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
  • All three Republican candidates apparently hired the same signature gathering firm to collect signatures, many of which appear to have been fraudulent.
    Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 2 July 2026
  • However, because agentic systems can execute actions independently, an error can become a severe operational failure, such as authorizing fraudulent transactions or deleting mission-critical databases.
    Barney Krishnan, Forbes.com, 1 July 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
  • For millions of individuals and businesses who rely on professional preparers, the answer portends a frightening prospect if the return preparer is dishonest.
    Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Her attorneys contend the defendants used the litigation to portray her as dishonest, intimidate potential witnesses, fuel a public relations campaign against her and drive up the cost of her legal defense.
    Adam Reiss, NBC news, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • She was braced against a near-vertical gray rock on a steep part of the mountain, with her back unnaturally arched and her face pointed at the sky, eyes open.
    William Finnegan, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
  • The ceiling is arched and lined with skylights to allow for light in walkway.
    Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Previously, there was about a 2-inch dropoff on either sideline behind the benches, which posed a risk of a twisted ankle if a player ran too far out of bounds.
    Shaun Goodwin June 29, Idaho Statesman, 29 June 2026
  • Deep in the 531,148-acre Nantahala National Forest stands a towering and twisted hemlock that appears to be dead, but is very much alive on the inside with a colony of bats.
    Mark Price June 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • Shadow fleet vessels disguise their identity and purpose through a broad range of deceptive activities, including spoofing their locations and destinations.
    Zita Ballinger Fletcher, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • The complaint alleged deceptive advertising and other misconduct.
    ABC News, ABC News, 29 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

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Cite this Entry

“Crooked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crooked. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

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