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
Newsom’s signature on the bill will allow courts to prevent the diversion of violent criminals with greater ease. — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026 Officials say the data collected helps solve and deter crime by, for example, allowing law enforcement to track a criminal’s movements. — Reed Williams, AJC.com, 30 June 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
  • Independence Day celebrations come in the most challenging threat environment since 9/11, with the ongoing terror threat, a rise in political violence and continuing fears about lone-wolf offenders, according to Raia.
    — Luke Barr, ABC News, 3 July 2026
  • There were also concerns listed in the analysis that the registry, which dates back to 1947, could include LGBTQ+ offenders from decades ago who were convicted of offenses that are no longer crimes.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of offender
Adjective
  • An ‘illicit relationship’ John Cotham met Yaffe at Gold’s Gym in 2008, according to Yaffe’s counterclaim.
    — Amber Gaudet, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2026
  • The state does offer two black plates, but a third, illicit version has been spotted on the roads.
    — Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 9 July 2026
Definition of illicit
Adjective
  • Police were serving a search warrant from a felonious assault case.
    — Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 26 June 2026
  • In August 2023, Shirilla was convicted of murder, felonious assault, aggravated vehicular homicide, drug possession, and criminal tools possession (psilocybin mushrooms and a scale were found at the crime scene).
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 24 June 2026
Definition of felonious
Adjective
  • After serving three more years with the organization as a senior adviser of pitching development, Regan sued the Mets and then-general manager Brodie Van Wagenen for age discrimination and wrongful termination.
    — Dave Campbell, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
  • But stepping out of the Georgia prison proved not to be the end of the uphill battle the father of two faced after his wrongful conviction.
    — Taylor Croft, AJC.com, 6 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 18 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of criminal for Spanish Speakers

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