criminality

noun

crim·​i·​nal·​i·​ty ˌkri-mə-ˈna-lə-tē How to pronounce criminality (audio)
Synonyms of criminalitynext
1
: the quality or state of being criminal
2
: criminal activity
urban criminality

Synonyms of criminality

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Examples of criminality in a Sentence

a report on the drop in criminality in large urban centers
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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.
His office published statistics showing that the county jails were overwhelmingly filled with undocumented immigrants as proof of their criminality. — Michael Kiefer, Washington Post, 28 Oct. 2026 Election experts have said many instances of noncitizens registering to vote are a result of administrative error or confusion on the part of the immigrant — not intentional criminality. — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026 Investigators, however, believe there was no criminality and that the cause was an electrical fire in one of the fifth-floor apartments. — Julian Roberts-Grmela, New York Daily News, 17 Oct. 2026 Van Houten ultimately determined the allegations did not warrant charges because of a lack of criminality. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for criminality

Word History

Etymology

criminal entry 1 + -ity, perhaps after French criminalité

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of criminality was in 1611

Rhymes for criminality

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Browse Nearby Words

criminalistics
criminality
criminalize
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Cite this Entry

“Criminality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/criminality. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Legal Definition

criminality

noun
crim·​i·​nal·​i·​ty ˌkri-mə-ˈna-lə-tē How to pronounce criminality (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being criminal
can't understand the criminality of his act
2
: crime sense 3
violent criminality
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