Synonyms for

Crime

Verb / kraɪm / Another word for crime — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

An action that is against the law.

Synonyms & similar words

criminaloffense lawbreaking criminaloffence offense offence offense misdemeanor violation felony transgression wrongdoing lawbreaking delinquency misdeed sin illegality infraction breach atrocity outrage evil injustice corruption criminality depravity

Synonyms by register

Formal

offense infraction transgression misdeed

Informal

bad deed wrongdoing screw-up mess-up

Literary

iniquity wickedness

Antonyms

virtue goodness innocence lawfulness righteousness morality honesty

Common collocations

  • commit a crime
  • violent crime
  • petty crime
  • organized crime
  • white-collar crime
  • solve a crime
  • report a crime
  • fight crime

Word family

noun crime
verb criminalize
adjective criminal
adverb criminally

Usage note

Crime refers to an action that violates a law. It is a serious term and should not be used lightly for minor offenses.

Example sentences

  1. The police officer arrested the man for committing a crime.
  2. Jenny was accused of a crime she didn't commit.
  3. Stealing is a serious crime that can result in going to jail.
  4. The judge found him guilty of the crime and sentenced him to 10 years in prison.
  5. The criminal was caught on camera committing the crime.

Quotes

  • The worst crime is faking it. - Kurt Vonnegut
  • The first duty of a state is to see that every child born therein shall be well housed, clothed, fed and educated till it attains years of discretion. - John Ruskin
  • The only difference between a rut and a grave is their dimensions. - Ellen Glasgow

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