Synonyms of criminal

criminal 1 of 2

adjective

ˈkri-mə-nᵊl 

as in illegal

contrary to or forbidden by law

people should know with certainty that criminal behavior will be punished

Synonyms & Similar Words

• illegal
• unlawful
• illicit
• felonious
• wrongful
• unauthorized
• illegitimate
• forbidden
• lawless
• immoral
• criminalized
• prohibited
• evil
• sinful
• shameful
• wrong
• unethical
• wicked
• reprehensible
• bad
• corrupt
• blameworthy
• contraband
• unlicensed
• barred
• proscribed
• unscrupulous
• villainous
• unsanctioned
• outlawed
• unprincipled
• censurable
• discouraged
• under-the-table
• disallowed
• blamable
• interdicted
• adulterine
• banned
• bootleg
• under-the-counter

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• legal
• legitimate
• lawful
• ethical
• right
• good
• righteous
• virtuous
• permitted
• just
• principled
• authorized
• licensed
• proper
• approved
• endorsed
• correct
• allowed
• promoted
• decent
• supported
• sanctioned
• suggested
• indorsed
• decorous
• abetted
• encouraged
• seemly

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

• offender
• lawbreaker
• culprit
• defendant
• crook
• miscreant
• malefactor
• perpetrator
• accomplice
• misdemeanant
• thug
• outlaw
• villain
• suspect
• gangster
• principal
• convict
• desperado
• jailbird
• perp
• mobster
• trespasser
• racketeer
• hoodlum
• gun
• wrongdoer
• sinner
• hooligan
• recidivist
• transgressor
• fish
• arrestee
• triggerman
• evildoer
• detainee
• gunsel
• backslider
• enforcer
• misdoer
• misfeasor
• gunman
• accused
• blackhander
• gallows bird
• button man
• hit man
• repeater
• relapser

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lawman
• gangbuster

Examples of criminal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The musician was not present in the courtroom for the plea, which stems from a criminal charge filed against him after a March 18, 2024, car accident in Alhambra, Ca. —Spin Staff, SPIN, 26 Sep. 2024

Adams has made history as the first sitting New York City mayor to face criminal charges. —Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 26 Sep. 2024

Noun

Known for his involvement in mercenary work and international arms deals, Tomkins’ rise from small-time criminal to infamous figure is explored in this 90-minute film. —Patrick Frater, Variety, 20 Sep. 2024

Sawyer becomes a cop instead of a criminal; Ben becomes a teacher with Alex (Tania Raymonde) as one of his students; Kate befriends Claire while on the run. —Janey Tracey, EW.com, 20 Sep. 2024