criminal 1 of 2

adjective

ˈkri-mə-nᵊl How to pronounce criminal (audio)
Definition of criminalnext
as in illegal
contrary to or forbidden by law people should know with certainty that criminal behavior will be punished

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

criminal

2 of 2

noun

as in offender
a person who has committed a crime car thieves, pickpockets, burglars, and other criminals

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 criminal
Adjective
Authorities have linked some of these incidents to transnational criminal networks operating in the region. — Sabrina Nelson Garcinuño, Fortune, 13 July 2026 Cooper also took aim at California’s mental health diversion program, which allows eligible defendants to receive treatment instead of traditional criminal penalties. — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 13 July 2026
Noun
The brothers’ previous films included 2021’s Camp Confidential, about European Jews who found asylum in America after fleeing Nazi Europe, enlisted in the Army, and interrogated Nazi war criminals at a secret camp. — Marisa Fox, Rolling Stone, 16 July 2026 Clickfix has emerged as an effective attack technique that attackers, primarily financially motivated criminals, began using in the last year or so. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for criminal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criminal
  1. unlawful
  2. offender
  3. illicit
  4. felonious
  5. wrongful
Adjective
  • Federal authorities routinely target South Florida remittance companies that operate as conduits for unlawful money transfers, especially for drug traffickers, because many are suspected of evading bank-reporting requirements.
    — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026
  • Renner was charged with second-degree manslaughter and Seymore with unlawful imprisonment, among other charges.
    — Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 10 July 2026
Definition of unlawful
Noun
  • Numerous programs are being implemented to attempt to reduce the probability of recidivism through education and counseling and to reintegrate offenders into society.
    — Ronald J. Allen, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026
  • Ireland has approved landmark legislation to create the country’s first public register of domestic violence offenders, in a move campaigners say will empower people to check whether a potential partner has a history of violence.
    — Kara Fox, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
Definition of offender
Adjective
  • In the latter case, it is found especially in countries where alcoholic drinks are hard to afford or illicit.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 July 2026
  • In Phoenix, this shift in the illicit drug supply has combined with heat, meth and homelessness to create an emerging crisis of overdose deaths in America’s fifth-largest city.
    — Josh Katz, New York Times, 15 July 2026
Definition of illicit
Adjective
  • At his sentencing, Cuyahoga County Assistant Prosecutor Connor Davin recounted Loftis’ long history of criminal convictions, which included charges of assault on a peace officer, drug trafficking, felonious assault and armed robbery.
    — Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026
  • Police were serving a search warrant from a felonious assault case.
    — Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 26 June 2026
Definition of felonious
Adjective
  • In August 2025, Scott’s legal team, along with the LAIP, filed a habeas corpus petition alleging a wrongful conviction based on flawed forensic evidence.
    — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 18 July 2026
  • Beatty has since filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against the county, and her attorney has proposed a $975,000 settlement.
    — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 17 July 2026
Definition of wrongful

Browse Nearby Words

crimes
criminal
criminal conversation
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Cite this Entry

“Criminal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criminal. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on criminal

Nglish: Translation of criminal for Spanish Speakers

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