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Definition of felonious
felonious
/fəˈloʊ.ni.əs/
fe · lo · ni · ous
Adverb:feloniously
felonious Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
11
Tier
2
Usage
Rare
Syllables
4
felonious Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• adjective
1
Relating to, involving, or having the legal nature of a felony or serious crime.
Example
"The prosecutor presented extensive financial records to prove that the executive's actions were deliberate and felonious."
2
Wicked, villainous, or malicious in character or intent.
Example
"In classic detective fiction, the hero often uncovers a felonious plot orchestrated by a seemingly respectable aristocrat."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for felonious Antonyms
View all antonyms for felonious• Rhymes for felonious
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Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in the late 14th century, the word derives from Middle English 'felon' (meaning wicked or treacherous), from Old French 'felon', combined with the adjective-forming suffix '-ious'. Under English common law, it came to specifically denote grave offenses punishable by the forfeiture of land or goods.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Felonious. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/felonious