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
Angela Rodriguez
may 3, Sacbee.com, 3 May 2026
Though judges make determinations on what type of evidence a jury will hear, their rulings are typically open to the public, an important measure for transparency and fairness in the criminal justice system.
—Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026
Eric Henderson, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
Through the eyes of a diverse cast, including hard-nosed law enforcement officers, controversial politicians, influential entrepreneurs, and notorious criminals, the documentary paints a vivid portrait of a city grappling with growth, crime, and political intrigue.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for criminal
Adjective
The agent performs investigations related to criminal activity committed by licensed premises.
—Angela Rodriguez
may 3, Sacbee.com, 3 May 2026
Though judges make determinations on what type of evidence a jury will hear, their rulings are typically open to the public, an important measure for transparency and fairness in the criminal justice system.
—Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026
Noun
Nonetheless, the department will continue to fight against the criminals who target Medicaid programs.
—Eric Henderson, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
Through the eyes of a diverse cast, including hard-nosed law enforcement officers, controversial politicians, influential entrepreneurs, and notorious criminals, the documentary paints a vivid portrait of a city grappling with growth, crime, and political intrigue.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for criminal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criminal
Adjective
-
Louisville police say anything that goes into the air or explodes is illegal for average citizens.—
James Bruggers,
The Courier-Journal,
5 July 2017
-
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
Noun
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Surveying their home after the offenders had fled, Victim A told police that three Rolex watches and their work laptop were missing.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
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Eriana Haynes received 41 months in prison after pleading guilty to aiding an offender.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
1 May 2026
Adjective
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In February of this year, a district court ruled that DHS's third-country removal practices were unlawful, but the ruling was stayed pending the government's appeal, allowing the deportations to continue.—
Julia Ingram,
CBS News,
1 May 2026
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Evanston police initially detained five males, and three of them were later charged by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office on several felony and misdemeanor counts of drug and unlawful weapon possession.—
Claire Murphy,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The proposal would specifically define terms like event contracts while also requiring exchanges to implement safeguards against advertising, illicit finance, and fund segregation.—
Eleanor Mueller,
semafor.com,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Her government has handed over scores of cartel suspects to the United States, arrested hundreds of other cartel operatives and busted numerous illicit drug laboratories, among other steps.—
Kate Linthicum,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Last year, the number of officers killed decreased, both in terms of officers killed as a result of felonious acts and those killed accidentally.—
Kenneth D. Robinson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 May 2026
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He was tried again, under the same judge and a new jury, and found guilty of felonious assault and involuntary manslaughter.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The ex-staffer is accusing Jenner, 28, of various abuses during her employment, including wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, failure to pay wages and intentional infliction of emotional distress.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
1 May 2026
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Eldan's organization worked with a state senator to help write and pass a law in Delaware that provides compensation for wrongful imprisonment, as well as a stipend and help with housing, food benefits, and health and dental insurance.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Criminal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criminal. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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