You probably know the word criminal — but did you ever think there are so many other ways to say it? Whether you're chatting with friends, writing stories, or just curious, these synonyms will spice up your language. From serious terms like felon to casual ones like crook, each word has its own flavor.
1. Offender
An offender is someone who breaks a law or rule. This word is often used in a legal context to describe people who commit crimes. For example, "The offender was caught stealing from the store." It doesn't specify how serious the crime is, so it can mean anything from a small mistake to a serious crime. If someone drives over the speed limit, they are an offender. It's a neutral way to describe someone who does something wrong or illegal. It's useful when talking about laws and punishment without sounding too harsh.
2. Lawbreaker
A lawbreaker is anyone who disobeys laws. This term is easy to understand and often used in news stories or everyday talk. For instance, "The lawbreaker was fined for jaywalking." It doesn't have a scary tone, just someone who didn't follow the rules. It's good for describing people who don't respect laws, big or small. You can call a shoplifter or someone who drives without a license a lawbreaker. It's simple and clear, perfect when you want to be direct without sounding too formal.
3. Felon
A felon is someone who commits a serious crime, usually punishable by more than a year in prison. This is a strong word, often used in court or legal papers. For example, "The felon was sentenced to ten years for robbery." It sounds official and serious. You wouldn't use this word for small crimes like traffic violations. Felons usually have a long criminal record and face harsh penalties. This word shows the crime is very bad and the person is considered dangerous by the law.
4. Culprit
A culprit is the person responsible for a crime or bad action. This word is often used in stories or police reports. For example, "The police quickly found the culprit who broke the window." It focuses on who did the bad thing rather than how bad the crime is. You might say it when someone causes trouble, like stealing or cheating. Culprit is easy to say and understand and is perfect when you want to name the person who did wrong without being too harsh or legal.
5. Delinquent
A delinquent usually means a young person who breaks the law or behaves badly. It's often used for teens who get into trouble, like skipping school or stealing. For example, "The delinquent was caught tagging graffiti on walls." It sounds less serious than "criminal" but still shows bad behavior. Adults can be called delinquents too, but it's mainly for youth. This word helps talk about minor crimes and bad habits, especially for kids or teenagers, without making them sound like hardened criminals.
6. Malefactor
A malefactor is a fancy word for someone who does something wrong or evil, especially crimes. It sounds old-fashioned but is great in stories or formal writing. For example, "The malefactor was finally caught after years of stealing." It's not used much in everyday talk, but it gives a strong feeling of bad behavior. Malefactor works well when you want to describe someone as truly bad or harmful, like a villain in a movie or book. It's a serious word for serious wrongdoing.
7. Wrongdoer
A wrongdoer is anyone who does something bad or breaks the rules. It's a gentle way to say "criminal" and can mean small or big offenses. For example, "The wrongdoer was punished for damaging public property." This word fits well in moral or ethical discussions too. It doesn't sound harsh or scary, just someone who made a mistake or chose to do something wrong. You can use it for people who cheat, lie, or steal without sounding too formal or threatening.
8. Convict
A convict is someone who has been found guilty of a crime by a court. This word refers to people who have already been through the legal process. For example, "The convict served five years in prison for theft." It clearly means a person with a criminal record. Convicts are often mentioned in stories about prison or rehabilitation. It's a straightforward term that shows the person was legally proven to have committed a crime. It's stronger than "offender" because it means the crime was proven.
9. Outlaw
An outlaw is a person who lives outside the law and often avoids the police. It's an old-fashioned word used in stories about the Wild West or rebels. For example, "The outlaw hid in the mountains to escape the sheriff." Outlaws usually break serious laws and don't follow society's rules. The word has a dramatic feel, often used for criminals who are famous or dangerous. It's great for storytelling or describing people who reject the law completely.
10. Perpetrator
A perpetrator is someone who has done a crime or harmful act. This word is common in police and legal reports. For example, "The perpetrator was arrested at the scene of the robbery." It focuses on the action rather than the person's character. You use it to describe who did the crime, no matter the type or size. It's formal and often used in news stories or courtrooms. Perpetrator is useful when talking about crime facts without emotions or opinions.
11. Villain
A villain is usually the bad guy in stories, movies, or real life. It means a person who does evil things or hurts others. For example, "The villain planned the theft and tricked everyone." It's not just for criminals but for anyone causing harm. Villain sounds dramatic and is often used when someone's actions are mean or cruel. You might call a bully a villain. It's a fun and powerful word to describe bad behavior or someone you don't like.
12. Bandit
A bandit is a criminal who usually robs people, especially in groups or on the road. This word is common in stories about old times or places with little police. For example, "The bandits stopped the travelers and took their money." Bandits are known for being dangerous and sneaky. The word is often used for robbers who attack travelers or banks. Bandit gives a wild and risky feel to the crime, perfect for exciting stories or historical talks.
13. Crook
A crook is a simple, informal word for a dishonest or criminal person. It's often used for thieves or con artists. For example, "That crook tricked people out of their money." Crook sounds casual and is common in everyday talk. It's not very formal and can sometimes be used jokingly. You might call someone a crook if they cheat or lie a lot. It's a friendly way to say someone is not trustworthy or breaks the law.
14. Thief
A thief is someone who steals things from others. This word is very clear and often used in everyday language. For example, "The thief took her purse and ran away." Thieves can steal small or big things and don't always get caught. It's a direct way to say someone commits theft, one of the most common crimes. Thief is easy to understand and often used in stories, police reports, and conversations about crime.
15. Robber
A robber is a person who steals by force or threat, often from people or places. For example, "The robber threatened the cashier during the bank heist." Robbery is more serious than simple theft because it involves violence or danger. The word robber gives a sense of fear and urgency. It's used in crime news and stories when someone uses weapons or intimidation to steal. Robber is perfect for describing dangerous criminals who don't just sneak but attack.
16. Mugger
A mugger is a person who attacks someone in public to steal from them. This usually happens on the street. For example, "The mugger grabbed his wallet and ran away." Muggers are often aggressive and violent. The word is common in city crime reports. It's specific because it talks about theft combined with physical harm or threats. Mugger describes scary situations and warns people to be careful in dangerous areas.
17. Gangster
A gangster is a member of a criminal group involved in illegal activities like smuggling or violence. For example, "The gangster controlled the city's illegal gambling business." Gangsters often work with others and are part of organized crime. The word has a movie-like feel, reminding us of famous crime stories. Gangster means more than just a criminal; it's someone involved in serious and planned illegal acts, often with a team.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — 17 awesome synonyms for "criminal" that you can use anytime! Each word gives a slightly different meaning, from formal legal terms to casual street talk. Whether you want to sound official, dramatic, or friendly, there's a perfect choice for every situation. Next time you describe someone breaking the law, try mixing it up with these words. It's a fun way to expand your vocabulary and keep conversations interesting!