crook 1 of 2

noun

Definition of crooknext
1
as in criminal
a person who has committed a crime a guy at the bar was raving about how all politicians are basically crooks

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2
as in curve
something that curves or is curved carried the baby in the crook of her arm

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crook

2 of 2

verb

ˈkru̇k How to pronounce crook (audio)
1
as in to hook
to cause to turn away from a straight line crooked a finger

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to curve
to turn away from a straight line or course the road suddenly crooked to the left

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of crook
Noun
And my fandom has only intensified as the franchise has embraced its endearing cast of characters as larger-than-life superheroes, transforming them from petty crooks to international spies—and the latest film in the series is one of the best entries yet. — Travis Bean, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025 After Anthony provided the key measurements − chest just below the crook of the arm and an honest assessment of his waist circumference − the hunt for a 38 short was on. — James Powel, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
Lines that appear straight on the linens were crooked when scanned into a computer. — Vipal Monga, WSJ, 30 May 2018 Would crooked Hillary have brought little rocket man to the table? — Fox News, 2 May 2018 See All Example Sentences for crook
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crook
  1. criminal
  2. curve
  3. hook
  4. bend
  5. arch
  6. curvature
  7. angle
  8. turn
Noun
  • There were radicals, activists, intellectuals as well as common criminals, the usual power brokers, and always a mob lurking in the background.
    — Phil Terrana, Baltimore Sun, 20 Mar. 2025
  • The company entices the criminal to click on a tracking link, which provides information about their location.
    — Rachel Hale, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of criminal
Noun
  • The roof’s soft curves intuitively guide visitors toward key entrances and spaces, making navigation seamless and inviting from every angle.
    — Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2025
  • As consumer demand for fresh, high-quality options continues to surge, Citrus America has been ahead of the curve.
    — Kody Boye, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of curve
Verb
  • The video went viral, amassing more than 460,000 views and 500 comments Taylor Curl first heard of One Direction in 2011 from a friend — and right away she was hooked.
    — Jordan Greene, People.com, 10 Mar. 2025
  • The murder mystery, sci-fi, natural catastrophe tale hooks its viewers within the first few scenes and doesn’t let go until the very last scene, and even then, you’re left wanting more.
    — Dana Feldman, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of hook
Noun
  • West Elm Myla Side Storage Bed $1,999 $1,700 West Elm Specs: The slight bend of the headboard gives this platform bed a touch of midcentury-modern style.
    — Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Single-Leg Deadlift Move Type: Strength How to Do It: Stand with feet hip-width apart; keep a soft bend in both knees.
    — Alyssa Ages, Outside Online, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of bend
Verb
  • Keep your shoulders, ribs and hips stacked over your knees without arching your back.
    — Dana Santas, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Its semi-evergreen, narrow, grass-like leaves arch gracefully, providing a fine textured appearance.
    — Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Mar. 2025
Definition of arch
Noun
  • Its exquisite exterior curvatures are a match for no other as Range Rover delivers royalty to all consumers.
    — Marc D Grasso, Hartford Courant, 8 Mar. 2025
  • The custom rug by Sacco Carpet mirrors the curvature of the ceiling.
    — Greg Carannante, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of curvature
Noun
  • Brownlee pointed out that as YouTube has grown, creators have been challenged to find niches and make content that can draw in viewers through a particular angle.
    — Abigail Lee, Variety, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Two games later, Djokovic left a drop shot within easy reach of the Dutchman, who slipped the ball past him on a sharp angle for a second break of serve.
    — Matthew Futterman, The Athletic, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of angle
Noun
  • The military suffered through years of lean times for recruiting, but the numbers have taken a dramatic turn for the better.
    — Cory Smith, Baltimore Sun, 20 Mar. 2025
  • John Frankenheimer fills the film with a Cold War–era sense that anyone could be the enemy — even, thanks to a chilling turn by Angela Lansbury, one’s own mother.
    — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of turn

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Cite this Entry

“Crook.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crook. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on crook

Nglish: Translation of crook for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about crook

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