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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of criminal
Peter Hessler, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2025
The State Bureau of Investigation opened a criminal case in December regarding the management of the brigade, which has experienced high levels of desertion and issues related to staffing and management.
—Marc Santora, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2025
7news Wjla (washington), Baltimore Sun, 16 Dec. 2024
Adult Kraven wants Calypso, a lawyer, to help him on his murderous crusade against criminals like his father.
—Charles Pulliam-Moore, The Verge, 13 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for criminal 
Adjective
After another fight, Lauren was charged with third-degree assault, criminal mischief, and underage drinking.
—Peter Hessler, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2025
The State Bureau of Investigation opened a criminal case in December regarding the management of the brigade, which has experienced high levels of desertion and issues related to staffing and management.
—Marc Santora, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2025
Noun
While immigration enforcement targeting a small number of dangerous criminals is sensible, President Trump’s plan to launch indiscriminate mass deportations will lead to a decline in public trust of law enforcement and, therefore, a rise in unsolved crimes.
—7news Wjla (washington), Baltimore Sun, 16 Dec. 2024
Adult Kraven wants Calypso, a lawyer, to help him on his murderous crusade against criminals like his father.
—Charles Pulliam-Moore, The Verge, 13 Dec. 2024
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 advocacy groups also allege that the rule itself is unlawful under the Administrative Procedures Act (APA) and unconstitutional under the Fourth and Fifth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.Joshua D. Smeltzer, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
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Each attack plan is usually meant to be analyzed by a group of officers, which often includes a military lawyer who can advise on whether strikes might be unnecessary or unlawful.Patrick Kingsley, New York Times, 26 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The Sinaloa drug cartel uses drug tunnels like these throughout the Southwest to smuggle illicit narcotics and people, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency's (DEA) 2024 drug threat assessment Some of these tunnels are highly advanced and equipped with electricity and ventilation.Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024
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More:Hospitals gave patients meds during childbirth, then reported them for illicit drug use Second, awareness matters.Pamela Avila, USA TODAY, 30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Durbin was convicted of two counts of felonious assault during a November jury trial.Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 20 Dec. 2024
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In the dark comedy, created by showrunner duo Brian Donovan and Ed Herro, Martindale plays a foulmouthed, no-nonsense maple farmer who becomes the felonious trio’s leader.Daniel Vaillancourt, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Days later, Weiner sued St. Peter’s and its executives for wrongful termination and defamation.J. David McSwane, ProPublica, 7 Dec. 2024
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This causal link must show an intentionally wrongful act and a specific injury.Jon McGowan, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near criminal
Cite this Entry
“Criminal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criminal. Accessed 9 Jan. 2025.
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