What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
felon
Example
He was convicted of being a felon after robbing a bank. [felon: noun]
Example
The judge sentenced him to prison for his felonious actions. [felonious: adjective]
criminal
Example
The police arrested the criminal for shoplifting. [criminal: noun]
Example
She was charged with criminal activity for vandalizing the building. [criminal: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Criminal is more commonly used than felon in everyday language. Criminal is a broader term that can be used to describe any type of lawbreaker, while felon is a legal term used in the United States to describe someone who has been convicted of a felony offense.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between felon and criminal?
Both felon and criminal can be used in formal and informal contexts, but felon is typically used in more formal settings due to its legal connotations.
