Criminal

/ˈkɹɪm.ɪ.nəl/ · adjective

Meaning

Against the law; forbidden by law..

Definitions by Sense

1. Against the law; forbidden by law.
2. Guilty of breaking the law.
3. Of or relating to crime or penal law.
4. (figuratively) Abhorrent or very undesirable.
5. A person who is guilty of a crime, notably breaking the law.

Example Sentences

Foppish and fantastic ornaments are only indications of vice, not criminal in themselves.

The neglect of any of the relative duties renders us criminal in the sight of God.

His long criminal record suggests that he is a dangerous man.

The officers and servants of the crown, violating the personal liberty, or other right of the subject […] in some cases, were liable to criminal process.

Printing such asinine opinions is criminal!

[...] I think it represents exceptional value for money and I think it would be criminal not to go ahead and build it."

‘[…] There's every Staffordshire crime-piece ever made in this cabinet, and that's unique. The Van Hoyer Museum in New York hasn't that very rare second version of Maria Marten's Red Barn over there, nor the little Frederick George Manning—he was the criminal Dickens saw hanged on the roof of the gaol in Horsemonger Lane, by the way—’

Synonyms for criminal

Antonyms for criminal

Related Words

Word Forms

• more criminal
• most criminal
• criminals

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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