English Synonyms for Crime and Offenses Words – Online Quiz!

abettor (noun) /əˈbɛtə/
Meaning: An abettor can be anyone who helps or encourages the perpetrator of a crime, whether through actions or words.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to abettor?
Options: instigator; hindrance; opponent; discourager
Answer: instigator
Synonyms: accessory; accomplice; assistant; associate; backer; conspirator; henchman; partner
Example: "He was accused of being an abettor in the bank robbery."

abuse (verb) /əˈbyuz/
Meaning: It involves the misuse, mistreatment, or exploitation of power, resources, or relationships, often resulting in physical, emotional, or psychological harm.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to abuse?
Options: mistreat; nurture; care for; respect
Answer: mistreat
Synonyms: bully; exploit; harass; harm; hurt; maltreat; manipulate; mistreat; oppress; torment; violate
Example: "He should never abuse his power as a manager."

accomplice (noun) /əˈkʌmplɪs/
Meaning: An accomplice is typically aware of the nature of the crime or activity and actively assists in carrying it out.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to accomplice?
Options: collaborator; adversary; enemy; rival
Answer: collaborator
Synonyms: abettor; ally; associate; collaborator; colleague; companion; comrade; conspirator; partner
Example: "The police arrested the thief and his accomplice during the robbery."

arson (noun) /ˈɑːsn/
Meaning: Arson is considered a serious offense in the legal system, as it poses a significant threat to public safety, property, and lives.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to arson?
Options: firebombing; firefighting; protection; preservation
Answer: firebombing
Synonyms: blaze; burning; combustion; fire; firebug; firestarter; firing; ignition; incendiarism; inferno; pyromania; torching
Example: "Arson is a serious crime that poses a significant risk to life and property."

bigamy (noun) /ˈbɪɡəmi/
Meaning: It is a criminal offense in most countries and is considered a form of polygamy.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to bigamy?
Options: polygamy; singleness; monogamy; celibacy
Answer: polygamy
Synonyms: bimarriage; connubiality; digamy; dual; marriage; multiple; multiplicity; plural; pluralism; polyamory; polyandry; polygamy
Example: "Bigamy is the act of marrying someone while already being legally married to another person."

blackmail (verb) /ˈblakmeɪl/
Meaning: Blackmail can involve the use of coercion, intimidation, or pressure to make the victim comply with the demands of the blackmailer.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to blackmail?
Options: extortion; honesty; openness; integrity
Answer: extortion
Synonyms: bribe; coercion; compulsion; exaction; extortion; intimidate; payoff; racketeer; ransom
Example: "The hacker attempted to blackmail the company by threatening to release sensitive data."

breach (noun) /briːtʃ/
Meaning: When a breach occurs, there is a distinct and often serious failure to uphold a commitment, standard, or obligation.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to breach?
Options: infraction; compliance; adherence; observance
Answer: infraction
Synonyms: betrayal; contravention; deviation; disobedience; encroachment; flout; infraction; infringement; lapse; noncompliance; offence; transgression
Example: "The company faced legal consequences after a breach of contract with their supplier."

conspirator (noun) /kənˈspɪr ə tər/
Meaning: A conspirator is someone who conspires with others, actively engaging in plotting, scheming, or collaborating in the execution of a nefarious plan or shared objective.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to conspirator?
Options: plotter; ally; supporter; advocate
Answer: plotter
Synonyms: accomplice; agitator; betrayer; collaborator; dissenter; instigator; plotter; saboteur; schemer; subversive; traitor
Example: "The conspirator revealed critical information to the authorities."

conspire (verb) /kənˈspʌɪə/
Meaning: It involves a group of people working together in a coordinated and covert manner to achieve a shared goal.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to conspire?
Options: plot; act openly; work alone; ignore
Answer: plot
Synonyms: collude; connive; contrive; cooperate; devise; machinate; maneuver; plot; scheme
Example: "They often conspire to surprise their friends on birthdays."

contraband (noun) /ˈkɒntrəband/
Meaning: These items are considered illegal or illicit and may include drugs, weapons, stolen goods, counterfeit currency, or other goods that pose a threat to public safety or the economy.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to contraband?
Options: smuggle; legal goods; permitted items; lawful merchandise
Answer: smuggle
Synonyms: banned; bootleg; embargoed; forbidden; illegal; illicit; outlawed; prohibited; smuggled; unauthorized; unlawful
Example: "Airport security confiscated his contraband items, including illegal drugs."

defalcate (verb) /ˈdiːfalkeɪt/
Meaning: This can include taking money or property that belongs to an individual or organization, such as funds that have been deposited in a bank or invested in a business.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to defalcate?
Options: embezzle; reimburse; repay; return
Answer: embezzle
Synonyms: embezzle; filch; loot; misapply; misuse; peculate; pilfer; purloin; skim; steal; swipe; thieve
Example: "The corrupt official will defalcate funds from the municipal budget."

dragoon (verb) /drəˈɡuːn/
Meaning: The verb "dragoon" can be used to refer to the act of This verb can also be used to describe the act of coercing or pressuring someone into doing something that they might not want to do.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to dragoon?
Options: coerce; persuade; encourage; invite
Answer: coerce
Synonyms: browbeat; bully; coerce; compel; constrain; drive; enforce; impel; oblige; press; railroad
Example: "The manager attempted to dragoon compliance from his subordinates by instilling fear."

embezzle (verb) /ɪmˈbɛzl/
Meaning: It's a type of financial fraud that occurs when an individual, who is in a position of trust and responsibility, uses their authority to take funds or assets for their personal gain.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to embezzle?
Options: steal; return; reimburse; repay
Answer: steal
Synonyms: commandeer; misapply; misappropriate; peculate; pilfer; pocket; purloin; rob; thieve
Example: "He was accused of helping his boss embezzle company funds."

entrapment (noun) /ɪnˈtrapm(ə)nt/
Meaning: In other words, entrapment occurs when law enforcement officials or undercover agents coax, lure, or persuade someone into committing a criminal act that they wouldn't have done on their own.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to entrapment?
Options: coercion; liberation; freedom; release
Answer: coercion
Synonyms: bait; conspiracy; deception; ensnarement; entanglement; pitfall; snare; stratagem; subterfuge
Example: "Entrapment is a legal defense claiming someone was coerced into unlawful actions."

espionage (noun) espionage/ˈɛspɪənɑː(d)ʒ/
Meaning: It refers to the activity of spying and it's usually associated with governments, intelligence agencies, and military organizations.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to espionage?
Options: spying; transparency; openness; honesty
Answer: spying
Synonyms: clandestine; counterintelligence; covert; infiltration; intelligence; operations; reconnaissance; spying; subterfuge; subversion; surveillance; undercover
Example: "Espionage agencies use covert methods to gather sensitive information."

extortion (noun) /ɪkˈstɔːʃ(ə)n/
Meaning: It refers to a situation where someone uses their power or influence to force someone else to give them something of value, often by threatening to harm them or their property.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to extortion?
Options: blackmail; donation; gift; charity
Answer: blackmail
Synonyms: blackmail; bullying; cheating; coercion; compulsion; defrauding; duress; exaction; force; fraud; intimidation; oppression
Example: "Extortion is a criminal act involving threats to force compliance."

felony (noun) /ˈfɛləni/
Meaning: Examples of felonies include murder, rape, armed robbery, and grand theft.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to felony?
Options: serious crime; misdemeanor; minor offense; infraction
Answer: serious
Synonyms: breach; crime; infraction; lawbreaking; misdeed; offense; transgression; violation; wrongdoing
Example: "The perpetrator was charged with multiple felonies, including burglary and assault."

forgery (noun) /ˈfɔr dʒə ri/
Meaning: It involves imitating or replicating an existing object, document, or artwork, often with the purpose of passing it off as genuine.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to forgery?
Options: counterfeit; authenticity; original; genuineness
Answer: counterfeit
Synonyms: copy; counterfeit; deception; fabrication; fake; falsification; fraud; hoax; imitation; replica; reproduction; sham
Example: "The forger was skilled at creating fake passports and identification documents."

fraud (noun) /frɔːd/
Meaning: It is an intentional act of deception or misrepresentation that results in financial or personal gain for the perpetrator and a loss for the victim.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to fraud?
Options: deceit; honesty; integrity; truthfulness
Answer: deceit
Synonyms: chicanery; con; deceit; duplicity; extortion; guile; hoax; scam; swindle; treachery; trickery
Example: "The authorities uncovered a large-scale fraud operation run by the criminal organization."

heist (noun) /hʌɪst/
Meaning: It is a criminal act that is carefully planned and executed in order to steal a large sum of money or valuable items.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to heist?
Options: robbery; restitution; return; repayment
Answer: robbery
Synonyms: burglary; embezzlement; grab; holdup; looting; plundering; raid; robbery; snatch; stickup; sting
Example: "The daring heist at the jewelry store left investigators baffled."

hijack (verb) /ˈhʌɪdʒak/
Meaning: When someone 'hijacks' a vehicle, they seize control from its rightful operators or passengers, effectively holding them captive or threatening their safety in the process.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to hijack?
Options: seize; surrender; relinquish; hand over
Answer: seize
Synonyms: carjack; commandeer; confiscate; expropriate; kidnap; seize; skyjack; steal
Example: "The hijacker attempted to hijack the plane but was apprehended by authorities."

homicide (noun) /ˈhɒmɪsʌɪd/
Meaning: Homicide encompasses a wide range of circumstances, from premeditated murder and manslaughter to acts of self-defense or police action.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to homicide?
Options: murder; saving; rescuing; protecting
Answer: murder
Synonyms: assassination; bloodshed; butchery; carnage; death; manslaughter; murder; slaying
Example: "Homicide investigations require meticulous evidence collection."

hoodlum (noun) /ˈhud ləm/
Meaning: It is used to describe a person who is involved in illegal behavior, violence, or disruptive actions within a community.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to hoodlum?
Options: thug; law-abider; citizen; conformist
Answer: thug
Synonyms: criminal; delinquent; desperado; gangster; hooligan; miscreant; outlaw; rogue; ruffian; thug; troublemaker; vandal
Example: "The neighborhood has been dealing with an increase in hoodlum activity lately."

incendiarism (noun) /ɪnˈsɛn di əˌrɪz əm/
Meaning: It encompasses the deliberate and unlawful act of setting fire to property, buildings, or other structures.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to incendiarism?
Options: arson; fire-fighting; fire prevention; extinguishing
Answer: arson
Synonyms: arson; burning; combustion; conflagration; flaming; ignition; inflaming; kindling; pyromania; scorching
Example: "The police investigation revealed evidence of incendiarism at the scene of the fire."

indictment (noun) /ɪnˈdaɪt mənt/
Meaning: It signifies the initiation of legal proceedings against an individual, indicating that there is sufficient evidence to warrant a trial or further investigation.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to indictment?
Options: accusation; exoneration; acquittal; absolution
Answer: accusation
Synonyms: accusation; allegation; arraignment; blame; censure; charge; complaint; denouncement; impeachment; imputation; incrimination
Example: "The grand jury returned an indictment against the suspect for multiple counts of fraud."

larceny (noun) /ˈlɑrsəni/
Meaning: This crime differs from theft and robbery, as it typically does not involve the use of force or threats.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to larceny?
Options: theft; return; restore; give back
Answer: theft
Synonyms: burglary; embezzlement; pilfering; purloining; robbery; stealing; theft; thievery
Example: "Larceny is a theft crime involving the unlawful taking of property."

malfeasance (noun) /malˈfiːzns/
Meaning: It is a term that is often used in the legal and ethical contexts, and it can refer to a wide range of actions that are considered to be a breach of duty or an abuse of power.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to malfeasance?
Options: misconduct; honesty; integrity; righteousness
Answer: misconduct
Synonyms: corruption; criminality; dishonesty; fraud; illegality; impropriety; lawbreaking; misconduct
Example: "The company's CEO was held accountable for his malfeasance in embezzling funds."

manslaughter (noun) /ˈmænˈslɔːtə/
Meaning: Manslaughter is a noun that refers to Unlike murder, which is typically premeditated and intentional, manslaughter involves causing the death of another person without the intent to do so.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to manslaughter?
Options: killing; nurturing; protecting; caring
Answer: killing
Synonyms: accidental; criminal; culpable; death; homicide; involuntary; killing; murder; negligence; negligent; slaying; unlawful
Example: "Manslaughter charges can result from reckless actions causing death."

maraud (verb) /məˈrɔːd/
Meaning: When someone 'marauds,' they engage in raids, pillaging, or unauthorized intrusions into a territory or area, often causing disruption, damage, or theft.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to maraud?
Options: raid; defend; guard; protect
Answer: raid
Synonyms: despoil; foray; harass; loot; pillage; plunder; raid; ransack; ravage; sack
Example: "They maraud through the forest, searching for hidden treasures."

mercenary (noun) /ˈməːs(ɪ)n(ə)ri/
Meaning: It implies the act of being motivated by the desire for money or other material gain rather than by any political, ideological or nationalistic considerations.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to mercenary?
Options: soldier-for-hire; volunteer; altruist; benefactor
Answer: soldier-for-hire
Synonyms: adventurer; commando; condottiere; contractor; freebooter; freelancer; hireling; irregular; legionnaire; opportunist; professional; soldier
Example: "The mercenary was hired to protect the wealthy businessman during his travels."

misconduct (noun) /mɪskɒndʌkt/
Meaning: It typically implies a violation of established codes of conduct or professional ethics.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to misconduct?
Options: wrongdoing; propriety; righteousness; good behavior
Answer: wrongdoing
Synonyms: breach; delinquency; impropriety; indiscretion; lapse; malfeasance; malpractice; misbehavior; offense; transgression; violation; wrongdoing
Example: "The employee was fired due to allegations of misconduct in the workplace."

misdemeanor (noun) /ˌmɪs dɪˈmi nər/
Meaning: It is a term primarily used in legal contexts to describe a wide range of minor criminal acts.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to misdemeanor?
Options: infraction; felony; major crime; serious offense
Answer: infraction
Synonyms: breach; fault; infraction; infringement; lapse; misconduct; misdeed; offense; transgression; trespass; violation; wrongdoing
Example: "He was charged with a misdemeanor for shoplifting from the store."

motive (noun) /ˈmoʊ tɪv/
Meaning: It represents the underlying purpose or objective behind an individual's actions, decisions, or choices.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to motive?
Options: incentive; aimlessness; purposelessness; indifference
Answer: incentive
Synonyms: aim; cause; drive; goal; impetus; incentive; intention; objective; purpose; rationale; reason; stimulus
Example: "Financial gain appeared to be the primary motive behind the fraudulent scheme."

offender (noun) /əˈfɛn dər/
Meaning: An offender is someone who has transgressed established rules, regulations, or societal norms, resulting in harm or negative consequences to others or to the community at large.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to offender?
Options: criminal; law-abider; innocent; law-abiding citizen
Answer: criminal
Synonyms: convict; criminal; culprit; delinquent; felon; lawbreaker; malefactor; miscreant; perpetrator; transgressor; violator; wrongdoer
Example: "The offender was apprehended and taken into custody by the police."

piracy (noun) /ˈpʌɪrəsi/
Meaning: This can take the form of downloading or sharing files illegally, making copies of protected works, or selling counterfeit versions of those works.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to piracy?
Options: copyright infringement; originality; creation; innovation
Answer: copyright
Synonyms: bootlegging; copying; hijacking; infringement; pirating; plagiarism; robbery; stealing; theft
Example: "Piracy poses a significant threat to the entertainment industry."

plunder (verb) /ˈplʌndə/
Meaning: It is similar to the word "pillage" but it can also be used in a less violent context.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to plunder?
Options: loot; donate; give; contribute
Answer: loot
Synonyms: raid; ransack; sack; despoil; expropriate; rob; steal; confiscate; strip; pillage; ravage
Example: "Armies plunder cities, leaving devastation and grief in their silent, haunting wake."

poach (verb) /poʊʧ/
Meaning: It can also refer to the act of stealing or taking something that doesn't belong to you, such as poaching employees from a competitor.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to poach?
Options: trespass; respect; observe; comply
Answer: trespass
Synonyms: appropriate; capture; hunt; nab; pilfer; plunder; purloin; rob; seize; snatch; steal; take
Example: "Farmers united, vowing to confront those who poach on their fertile lands."

purloin (verb) /pəːˈlɔɪn/
Meaning: This can include taking an object or item of value, such as money or jewelry, or appropriating something intangible, such as an idea or intellectual property.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to purloin?
Options: filch; return; restore; reimburse
Answer: filch
Synonyms: burglarize; heist; pilfer; pinch; pocket; rob; shoplift; snatch; swindle; swipe; thieve; trouser
Example: "The thief attempted to purloin the valuable necklace from the jewelry store."

traitor (noun) /ˈtreɪ tər/
Meaning: A traitor is someone who intentionally acts against the best interests of their affiliation or the cause they are supposed to support.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to traitor?
Options: betrayer; loyalist; patriot; faithful
Answer: betrayer
Synonyms: backstabber; betrayer; collaborator; defector; deserter; infiltrator; informer; Judas; renegade; turncoat
Example: "They branded him a traitor for siding with the enemy during the war."

wrongdoer (noun) /ˈrɔŋˌdu ər/
Meaning: It denotes someone who commits wrongdoing, whether it be a moral transgression or a violation of laws and regulations.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to wrongdoer?
Options: malefactor; law-abider; innocent; upholder
Answer: malefactor
Synonyms: criminal; culprit; delinquent; evildoer; lawbreaker; malefactor; miscreant; offender; perpetrator; transgressor; villain
Example: "The police apprehended the wrongdoer responsible for the recent burglaries."