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
Testimony in the criminal trial of Johnson County Sheriff Adam King wrapped up its second week with prosecutors resting their case against him. — Star-Telegram Staff. Produced With Ai Assistance, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 July 2026 Tyrin Johnson did not appear to have a criminal history besides a handful of traffic violations, according to a review of online federal and state court records and Memphis and Nashville courts. — Travis Loller, ABC News, 6 July 2026
Noun
And just like Alito, some members of my family have forgotten our history and support Trump or favor some of his immigration policies, dismissing new arrivals as criminals or lazy. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 Some of the more sophisticated attacks can even capture your active login session, allowing criminals to bypass two-factor authentication entirely. — Ken Colburn, AZCentral.com, 29 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
  • Kayden Bordley, 19, faces one count each of second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon, and two counts of armed criminal action, according to a Jackson County charging document.
    — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026
  • The hours-long pandemonium involved some teenaged children and young adults throwing mortars, fireworks and more at those who crowded about and at police officers, a grocery store getting merchandise stolen and an unlawful assembly declared.
    — Sierra van der Brug, Oc Register, 6 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
  • As a result, the bill would leave parts of the crypto ecosystem vulnerable to exploitation by terrorists, sanctions evaders, fraudsters, and other illicit actors under the guise of technological neutrality.
    — Richard Nephew, Fortune, 2 July 2026
  • Though the film ends with Lori and John getting married (despite Ted's various illicit shenanigans), Ted 2 reveals that the pair have divorced.
    — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 1 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
  • Following his dismissal from Jackass Forever in 2022, Margera asked a judge to dismiss his wrongful termination suit against Paramount Pictures.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 3 July 2026
  • The money supports cases such as consumer protections, domestic violence and wrongful evictions.
    — Nick Sullivan July 2, Charlotte Observer, 2 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on criminal

Nglish: Translation of criminal for Spanish Speakers

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