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
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
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Recent Examples of criminal
Mitchell Willetts, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2025
The criminal division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section will continue to play a supporting role by providing guidance and training to Justice Department personnel and acting as a liaison to the digital asset industry.
—Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025
Megan O’Matz, ProPublica, 6 Apr. 2025
One parent, Tamia Woods, whose son James Woods died by suicide on Nov. 19, 2023, said the criminals eliminated her son's desire for a future.
—Krystal Nurse, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for criminal
Adjective
Jorge Saldana-Gonzalez, 44, was arrested on a murder charge following the Saturday, April 5, shooting at Sandra’s Bar, on Alamo’s east side, according to a criminal complaint filed in Hidalgo County.
—Mitchell Willetts, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2025
The criminal division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section will continue to play a supporting role by providing guidance and training to Justice Department personnel and acting as a liaison to the digital asset industry.
—Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
Schimel was accused of giving plea deals to despicable criminals.
—Megan O’Matz, ProPublica, 6 Apr. 2025
One parent, Tamia Woods, whose son James Woods died by suicide on Nov. 19, 2023, said the criminals eliminated her son's desire for a future.
—Krystal Nurse, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for criminal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criminal
Adjective
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Louisville police say anything that goes into the air or explodes is illegal for average citizens.—
James Bruggers,
The Courier-Journal,
5 July 2017
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Official fireworks shows took place over the city, and illegal pyrotechnics lit up the sky everywhere in between.—
Lisa Beebe,
Los Angeles Magazine,
5 July 2017
Adjective
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The lawsuit will argue that Trump's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to enact tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China is unlawful.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Apr. 2025
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The suit will argue that Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which grants the president increased powers during an economic emergency, to impose tariffs is unlawful and requires congressional approval.—
Elaine Mallon,
The Washington Examiner,
16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The proximity, combined with the abundance of recreational boats, makes illicit travel hard to detect, Brown explained.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
22 Apr. 2025
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Psilocybin use in 2023 among adults was higher than estimates for cocaine, illicit opioid use, methamphetamine or LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), the study found.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Darnell Jones is also charged with felonious assault and abduction, according to court records.—
Jennifer Rodriguez,
Kansas City Star,
25 Mar. 2025
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Marybeth, still uncomfortable with the arrangement between her department and the felonious accountant, does so reluctantly.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
The Hollywood Reporter,
9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Knox, a Seattle native who advocates against wrongful convictions, has known Pearl Jam for years.—
Brenna Ehrlich,
Rolling Stone,
17 Apr. 2025
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Bukele is seen by some as a Trump-like figure for his crackdown on gangs, which has led to a dramatic plunge in crime in El Salvador while also provoking questions about his tactics and concerns about wrongful imprisonments.—
Jonathan Easley,
The Hill,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Criminal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criminal. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
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