English Antonyms for Criminal Justice and Penalties Vocabulary Words – Online Quiz!

accomplice (noun) /əˈkʌmplɪs/
Definition: A person who helps someone else commit a crime, wrongdoing, or other illicit activity.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of accomplice.
Options: abettor; ally; associate; adversary
Answer: adversary
Example sentence: "The mastermind behind the crime had several accomplices working for him."

acquittal (noun) /əˈkwɪt l/
Definition: The legal verdict of a defendant being found not guilty or cleared of charges in a criminal trial.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of acquittal.
Options: absolution; amnesty; clearance; conviction
Answer: conviction
Example sentence: "The acquittal of the accused was met with mixed reactions from the public, with some celebrating and others expressing outrage."

adjudicator (noun) /əˈdʒuːdɪˌkeɪtə/
Definition: A person who is responsible for making judgments, decisions, or rulings in a formal or official capacity.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of adjudicator.
Options: appraiser; arbiter; assessor; participant
Answer: participant
Example sentence: "The experienced adjudicator carefully reviewed the legal documents."

alibi (noun) /ˈalɪbʌɪ/
Definition: A defense in criminal law that asserts that the defendant was in a different location or engaged in a different activity at the time the crime was committed.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of alibi.
Options: excuse; explanation; extenuation; accusation
Answer: accusation
Example sentence: "The absence of an alibi made the suspect a prime suspect in the investigation."

apprehend (verb) /aprɪˈhɛnd/
Definition: To arrest or capture a suspect who is believed to have committed a crime.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of apprehend.
Options: catch; collar; detain; release
Answer: release
Example sentence: "The authorities are working together to apprehend the dangerous fugitive."

arraign (verb) /əˈreɪn/
Definition: To bring an individual before a court of law to formally read the charges against them and to have them enter a plea, typically "guilty" or "not guilty."
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of arraign.
Options: accuse; blame; criminate; absolve
Answer: absolve
Example sentence: "If captured, they will arraign the fugitive for escape, adding to his list of charges."

arson (noun) /ˈɑːsn/
Definition: The criminal act of deliberately and maliciously setting fire to a building, structure, or property, often with the intent to cause damage, destruction, or harm.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of arson.
Options: blaze; burning; combustion; firefighting
Answer: firefighting
Example sentence: "The building was reduced to ashes in a devastating act of arson."

attest (verb) /əˈtɛst/
Definition: To provide evidence or testimony to confirm the truth or accuracy of something.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of attest.
Options: affirm; argue; assert; deny
Answer: deny
Example sentence: "The signed contract will attest to the agreement between the parties."

comeuppance (noun) /kʌmˈʌp(ə)ns/
Definition: The deserved consequences or punishment that someone receives for their actions, especially when those actions are considered wrong or immoral.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of comeuppance.
Options: deserts; dues; penalty; reward
Answer: reward
Example sentence: "Her deceitful behavior led to a well-deserved comeuppance."

contraband (noun) /ˈkɒntrəband/
Definition: Goods or items that are prohibited by law from being imported, exported, sold, or possessed.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of contraband.
Options: banned; bootleg; embargoed; legal goods
Answer: legal goods
Example sentence: "Possession of contraband firearms can lead to serious legal consequences."

culprit (noun) /ˈkʌlprɪt/
Definition: A person or thing that is responsible for committing a crime, error, or wrongdoing.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of culprit.
Options: criminal; crook; felon; innocent
Answer: innocent
Example sentence: "The true culprit of the accident was a malfunctioning brake system."

debar (verb) /dɪˈbɑr/
Definition: To exclude or prevent someone from entering or participating in a particular activity or place.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of debar.
Options: ban; bar; blacklist; admit
Answer: admit
Example sentence: "The university may debar students who fail to meet the academic requirements."

delinquent (adjective) /dɪˈlɪŋkw(ə)nt/
Definition: Failure to conform to accepted norms and standards, especially in the context of the law or social expectations.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of delinquent.
Options: anarchic; defiant; disobedient; compliant
Answer: compliant
Example sentence: "The school counselor worked with delinquent students to help them succeed."

de-jure (adverb) /deɪ ˈjʊəreɪ/
Definition: Recognized, established, or enforced by law or official regulations.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of de-jure.
Options: constitutionally; formally; lawfully; de-facto
Answer: de-facto
Example sentence: "The de-jure recognition of their marriage ensured legal rights and benefits for the couple."

dragoon (verb) /drəˈɡuːn/
Definition: To force someone to do something through the use of threats, intimidation, or coercion.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of dragoon.
Options: browbeat; bully; coerce; persuade
Answer: persuade
Example sentence: "The gang leader sought to dragoon new members into his criminal organization."

embezzle (verb) /ɪmˈbɛzl/
Definition: To misappropriate or steal money or assets that have been entrusted to one's care.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of embezzle.
Options: commandeer; misapply; misappropriate; return
Answer: return
Example sentence: "They found out that she had embezzled money from the school’s budget."

espionage (noun) espionage/ˈɛspɪənɑː(d)ʒ/
Definition: The practice of gathering, collecting or obtaining information through secret or illegal means, typically for military, political, or economic advantage.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of espionage.
Options: clandestine; counterintelligence; covert; transparency
Answer: transparency
Example sentence: "Governments invest heavily in counter-espionage efforts to protect national security."

exculpate (verb) /ˈɛkskʌlpeɪt/
Definition: To clear someone from blame or to prove someone's innocence.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of exculpate.
Options: absolve; acquit; discharge; blame
Answer: blame
Example sentence: "The new DNA evidence could potentially exculpate the convicted individual."

expulsion (noun) /ɪkˈspʌlʃn/
Definition: The act of forcing someone or something out of a particular place, organization, or situation.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of expulsion.
Options: banishment; dismissal; ejection; admission
Answer: admission
Example sentence: "Expulsion from the prestigious club came as a shock to its members."

extortion (noun) /ɪkˈstɔːʃ(ə)n/
Definition: The act of obtaining something, often money or property, from someone else through coercion or the threat of harm.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of extortion.
Options: blackmail; bullying; cheating; donation
Answer: donation
Example sentence: "Victims of extortion may live in fear of retribution if they don't comply."

extradite (verb) /ˈɛkstrədʌɪt/
Definition: To return a person who is accused or convicted of a crime to the jurisdiction where the crime was committed.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of extradite.
Options: banish; deliver; deport; retain
Answer: retain
Example sentence: "will extradite him back for trial."

forfeit (verb) /ˈfɔːfɪt/
Definition: To give up something, such as property, rights, or privileges, as a penalty for breaking a rule or law.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of forfeit.
Options: abandon; cede; forsake; retain
Answer: retain
Example sentence: "Failure to pay the fine may lead to forfeiture of your property."

gallows (noun) /ˈɡaləʊz/
Definition: A wooden structure used for the execution of criminals by hanging.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of gallows.
Options: crossbeam; execution; frame; freedom
Answer: freedom
Example sentence: "The executioner prepared the gallows for the hanging."

genocide (noun) /ˈdʒɛnəsʌɪd/
Definition: The intentional and systematic destruction of a racial, ethnic, religious, or national group.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of genocide.
Options: annihilation; cleansing; decimation; protection
Answer: protection
Example sentence: "Remembering the Holocaust is crucial to prevent future genocides."

guillotine (noun) /ˈɡɪlətiːn/
Definition: A machine designed for carrying out capital punishment by decapitation.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of guillotine.
Options: axe; blade; cleaver; pardon
Answer: pardon
Example sentence: "The condemned faced the guillotine with a sense of resignation."

heist (noun) /hʌɪst/
Definition: A planned and executed theft of a large amount of money or valuable items, usually involving the use of force or deception.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of heist.
Options: burglary; embezzlement; grab; restitution
Answer: restitution
Example sentence: "A group of skilled criminals orchestrated the bank heist."

illicit (adjective) /ɪˈlɪsɪt/
Definition: Pertaining to actions, behaviors, or activities that are prohibited, forbidden, or considered unlawful by established laws, regulations, or ethical standards.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of illicit.
Options: banned; clandestine; contraband; legal
Answer: legal
Example sentence: "The smugglers were caught attempting to transport illicit goods across the border."

impound (verb) /ɪmˈpaʊnd/
Definition: To confiscate or seize something, typically by a government or legal authority.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of impound.
Options: apprehend; capture; commandeer; return
Answer: return
Example sentence: "Unpaid parking fines can lead to your car being impounded."

impunity (noun) /ɪmˈpjuːnɪti/
Definition: Exemption from punishment or freedom from harm, or retribution.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of impunity.
Options: absolution; defense; dispensation; accountability
Answer: accountability
Example sentence: "The company operated with impunity, polluting the environment without facing any consequences."

indict (verb) /ɪnˈdʌɪt/
Definition: To formally accuse someone of committing a crime or wrongdoing through a legal process, typically initiated by a grand jury or a prosecutor.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of indict.
Options: accuse; arraign; charge; acquit
Answer: acquit
Example sentence: "They will indict the corporate executives for fraud."

informant (noun) /ɪnˈfɔːm(ə)nt/
Definition: A person who provides information to law enforcement or other authorities about criminal or illegal activities.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of informant.
Options: infiltrator; insider; mole; concealer
Answer: concealer
Example sentence: "The informant's tip led the police to uncover a major drug trafficking operation."

inquisition (noun) /ɪnkwɪˈzɪʃ(ə)n/
Definition: A formal investigation, usually by the government or church, aimed at uncovering and punishing individuals suspected of crimes such as heresy, blasphemy, or treason.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of inquisition.
Options: grilling; hearing; inquest; approval
Answer: approval
Example sentence: "The child's inquisition into how things worked showed his budding interest in science."

interrogate (verb) /ɪnˈtɛrəɡeɪt/
Definition: To question or examine someone formally, typically in a police or legal setting.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of interrogate.
Options: catechize; debate; examine; answer
Answer: answer
Example sentence: "Don't interrogate your little sister like she's a criminal; she's only five."

jurisdiction (noun) /ˌdʒʊərɪsˈdɪkʃn/
Definition: The official power of a court or government agency to interpret and enforce the law within a particular geographic area or over a specific group of people.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of jurisdiction.
Options: authority; command; control; powerlessness
Answer: powerlessness
Example sentence: "The state court has jurisdiction over cases involving state law."

larceny (noun) /ˈlɑrsəni/
Definition: The act of unlawfully taking someone else's personal property with the intent to permanently deprive the rightful owner of its possession.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of larceny.
Options: burglary; embezzlement; pilfering; return
Answer: return
Example sentence: "The suspect was caught in the act of larceny at the store."

legitimate (adjective) /lɪˈdʒɪtɪmət/
Definition: Lawful, valid, and in accordance with accepted rules, regulations, or standards.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of legitimate.
Options: authentic; authorized; kosher; unlawful
Answer: unlawful
Example sentence: "The contract was deemed legitimate by all parties involved."

lynch (verb) /lɪnʧ/
Definition: To kill someone, typically by hanging without a legal trial, often done by a mob.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of lynch.
Options: assassinate; dispatch; eliminate; absolve
Answer: absolve
Example sentence: "The civil rights activists fought against the practice of lynching in the southern states."

mandate (noun) /ˈmandeɪt/
Definition: An official instruction or command issued by a governing authority, such as a government or a court, to carry out a specific action or policy.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of mandate.
Options: authorization; bidding; canon; request
Answer: request
Example sentence: "The new law passed by Congress includes a mandate for background checks on gun purchases."

maraud (verb) /məˈrɔːd/
Definition: To rove or wander about in search of plunder, loot, or valuables, typically with an aggressive or predatory intent.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of maraud.
Options: despoil; foray; harass; defend
Answer: defend
Example sentence: "You maraud the streets at night, causing mischief."

mercenary (noun) /ˈməːs(ɪ)n(ə)ri/
Definition: A person who works or fights for hire, especially for a foreign country or government.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of mercenary.
Options: adventurer; commando; condottiere; volunteer
Answer: volunteer
Example sentence: "The mercenary fought for the highest bidder, caring little for the cause."

misdemeanor (noun) /ˌmɪs dɪˈmi nər/
Definition: A type of criminal offense that is considered less serious than a felony but still constitutes a violation of the law.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of misdemeanor.
Options: breach; fault; infraction; felony
Answer: felony
Example sentence: "The defendant was sentenced to community service for his misdemeanor offense."

offender (noun) /əˈfɛn dər/
Definition: A person who has committed a crime, violated a law, or engaged in behavior that is deemed unacceptable or harmful within a legal or social framework.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of offender.
Options: convict; criminal; culprit; law-abider
Answer: law-abider
Example sentence: "Victim support services offer assistance to survivors of offenders."

ordinance (noun) /ˈɔːd(ɪ)nəns/
Definition: A type of law or regulation that is passed by a local government, such as a city or a county.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of ordinance.
Options: canon; command; criterion; suggestion
Answer: suggestion
Example sentence: "The local government issued an ordinance banning smoking in public parks."

parole (noun) /pəˈrəʊl/
Definition: The supervised release of a convicted criminal from prison before the end of their sentence.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of parole.
Options: acquittal; amnesty; clemency; imprisonment
Answer: imprisonment
Example sentence: "Parole officers play a crucial role in supervising and supporting individuals reintegrating into society after incarceration."

permissible (adjective) /pərˈmɪs ə bəl/
Definition: Allowed, acceptable, or within the bounds of what is considered acceptable or allowed by rules, laws, or regulations.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of permissible.
Options: acceptable; admissible; allowable; forbidden
Answer: forbidden
Example sentence: "In some cultures, certain foods are not permissible during religious holidays."

perpetrator (noun) /ˈpəːpətreɪtə/
Definition: An individual or entity responsible for committing a specific act, typically a wrongdoing, crime, offense, or harmful action.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of perpetrator.
Options: assailant; crook; culprit; victim
Answer: victim
Example sentence: "The court found the perpetrator guilty of the heinous act."

pilfer (verb) /ˈpɪl fər/
Definition: To steal or take small items or insignificant amounts of goods, often in a secretive or furtive manner.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of pilfer.
Options: embezzle; filch; lift; return
Answer: return
Example sentence: "The squirrels always pilfer the birdseed from the feeders in our backyard."

pillage (noun) /ˈpɪlɪdʒ/
Definition: The act of looting or plundering, particularly during times of war or civil unrest.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of pillage.
Options: loot; ransack; plunder; restore
Answer: restore
Example sentence: "The invaders engaged in a systematic pillage of the city, taking everything of value."

plaintiff (noun) /ˈpleɪntɪf/
Definition: A person that brings a legal action against another, known as the defendant, in a court of law.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of plaintiff.
Options: accuser; appellant; applicant; defendant
Answer: defendant
Example sentence: "His eyes met the defendant's, the plaintiff's gaze steady and resolute."

probation (noun) /proʊˈbeɪ ʃən/
Definition: A legal status or process through which an individual convicted of a crime is placed under supervision instead of being incarcerated.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of probation.
Options: check; control; examination; imprisonment
Answer: imprisonment
Example sentence: "Mary's probation officer closely monitored her progress and compliance."

promulgate (verb) /ˈprɒm(ə)lɡeɪt/
Definition: To make a law, rule, or policy widely known and officially announced to the public.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of promulgate.
Options: advertise; broadcast; circulate; conceal
Answer: conceal
Example sentence: "The organization sought to promulgate a culture of inclusivity."

racketeer (noun) /rakɪˈtɪə/
Definition: A person who is involved in illegal or unethical business practices, often as a member of a criminal enterprise.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of racketeer.
Options: blackmailer; bootlegger; criminal; law-abider
Answer: law-abider
Example sentence: "The city was plagued by a group of ruthless racketeers running extortion schemes."

ransom (noun) /ˈrans(ə)m/
Definition: The payment of money or other valuable consideration to secure the release of a person who has been kidnapped or taken hostage.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of ransom.
Options: bribe; compensation; deliverance; free
Answer: free
Example sentence: "The family raised the ransom money to secure their loved one's freedom."

recidivism (noun) /rɪˈsɪdɪvɪzᵊm/
Definition: The tendency of a person who has been previously convicted of a crime to reoffend and return to criminal behavior.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of recidivism.
Options: circularity; habituation; recidivation; reform
Answer: reform
Example sentence: "Rehabilitation programs should address the underlying factors that contribute to recidivism."

remand (verb) /rɪˈmɑːnd/
Definition: To send a case, a person or an issue back to a lower court or to custody for further consideration, retrial, or investigation.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of remand.
Options: commit; confine; consign; release
Answer: release
Example sentence: "He stood confidently, despite knowing they might remand him into custody."

retribution (noun) /ˌrɛtrɪˈbjuːʃn/
Definition: Punishment or revenge inflicted on someone as a consequence of their wrongdoing or misdeeds.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of retribution.
Options: comeback; counterstrike; justice; reward
Answer: reward
Example sentence: "The retribution was served cold."

sanction (noun) /ˈsaŋ(k)ʃn/
Definition: A penalty or punishment that is imposed on someone or something for violating a rule or law.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of sanction.
Options: consequence; discipline; fine; approval
Answer: approval
Example sentence: "He faced a hefty sanction after being caught cheating on the exam."

spouse (noun) /spaʊs/
Definition: A person's husband or wife in the context of a legally recognized and typically committed marital relationship.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of spouse.
Options: bride; companion; consort; stranger
Answer: stranger
Example sentence: "My spouse and I often enjoy taking long walks together in the evening."

treason (noun) /ˈtriːz(ə)n/
Definition: The crime of betraying one's country or government by acting to aid its enemies or to overthrow its lawful authority.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of treason.
Options: backstabbing; deceit; deception; loyalty
Answer: loyalty
Example sentence: "Throughout history, many conspiracies involving treason have been uncovered."

vigilante (noun) /ˌvɪdʒ əˈlæn ti/
Definition: Someone who takes the law into their own hands and acts outside of the established legal system to seek justice.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of vigilante.
Options: avenger; crusader; defender; lawman
Answer: lawman
Example sentence: "The vigilante patrolled the neighborhood, deterring criminal activity."