criminal crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Q: How can I differentiate between similar criminal terms in a crossword?

Pay close attention to subtle nuances in the clue (e.g., 'petty criminal' vs. 'master criminal'), the exact letter count, and especially intersecting letters from other clues. Sometimes a specific context, historical period, or a famous example is hinted at within the clue itself.

Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate resource for solving the "criminal crossword clue"! Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle. Whether you're stuck on a tricky spot or just need a quick hint, we've got you covered.

Solutions for "criminal crossword clue" by Letter Count

5 Letters

THIEF: A common term for someone who steals, frequently appearing in crosswords.

FELON: A person who has committed a serious crime, often used in a legal context.

ROGUE: A mischievous or unprincipled person; sometimes used to describe a scoundrel or villain.

CROOK: An informal term for a dishonest person, especially a criminal or swindler.

6 Letters

OUTLAW: A person who has broken the law and remains at large, often associated with the Old West or historical contexts.

7 Letters

CULPRIT: The person who is responsible for a crime or misdeed.

CONVICT: A person found guilty of a crime and serving a sentence, typically in prison.

VILLAIN: A character in a story, play, or film who commits evil acts; also used to describe a wicked person.

MOBSTER: A member of an organized crime syndicate, such as the Mafia.

8 Letters

GANGSTER: A member of a gang of criminals, often involved in organized crime activities.

OFFENDER: A person who commits an illegal act.

SWINDLER: A person who cheats or defrauds someone of money or property.

More About "criminal crossword clue"

The term "criminal" encompasses a broad range of individuals who violate laws, making it a versatile and frequent clue in crosswords. Depending on the context, letter count, and intersecting words, the answer could refer to anything from a petty thief to an organized crime boss. Crossword setters often use synonyms, specific types of criminals, or even legal terms associated with crime to hint at the answer.

When encountering "criminal crossword clue," consider the nuance. Is it a general term like OFFENDER or CULPRIT, or something more specific like OUTLAW (suggesting a fugitive) or CONVICT (implying imprisonment)? The best approach is to check the length of the word you need and see which common synonyms fit. Legal terms and slang for criminals are also popular choices in puzzles, so thinking broadly about related vocabulary can be very helpful.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Analyze the Nuance: Don't just look for a direct synonym. Consider if the clue hints at a specific type of criminal (e.g., "bank criminal" might lead to ROBBER, while "escaped criminal" points to FUGITIVE or OUTLAW).
Check Letter Count First: Always match the number of letters you have with the possible answers. This is the quickest way to eliminate many options immediately.
Use Intersecting Letters: The letters you've already filled in from other clues are your most powerful tool. Even one correct intersecting letter can often make the right answer for "criminal" become obvious.
Think of Legal Terms: Sometimes, the answer isn't the criminal themselves but a term associated with the legal process, like GUILTY or ILLEGAL, if the clue is framed broadly enough.
Consider Slang and Archaic Terms: Crosswords love old-fashioned words or common slang. Terms like CROOK, SCOUNDREL, or ROGUE might be the solution.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common synonyms for 'criminal' in crosswords?

Common synonyms include felon, rogue, culprit, offender, thief, and outlaw. The specific answer depends on the letter count and surrounding letters from intersecting clues.

Why do some crossword clues have multiple answers of the same length?

Crossword clues can be ambiguous or have several valid synonyms of the same length. Always check the intersecting letters from other clues to confirm the correct word. Contextual clues within the puzzle can also help narrow down the options.

How can I differentiate between similar criminal terms in a crossword?

Pay close attention to subtle nuances in the clue (e.g., "petty criminal" vs. "master criminal"), the exact letter count, and especially intersecting letters from other clues. Sometimes a specific context, historical period, or a famous example is hinted at within the clue itself.