Thesaurus results for GANGSTA

gangsta

noun

ˈgaŋ(k)-stə

Definition of gangsta

as in thug

a violent, brutal person who is often a member of an organized gang the short, violence-filled life of an inner-city gangsta

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 gangsta In fact, all forms of Persian rap — from street rap and gangsta to philosophical and social hip-hop — were used in the service of protest, with many works accompanied by heavy beats, dark atmospheres, and harsh narrative styles. — Ali Farahmand, IndieWire, 23 May 2025 The tough, gangsta image that defined late ’80s and early ’90s hip-hop had now been sanded down into something more aspirational and decidedly capitalist. — Kyndall Cunningham, Vox, 12 May 2025 The Geto Boys used expletives and a lot of bravado, but the core of their message is that a ‘gangsta’ is unafraid to be themselves, and confident in their experience. — Angela Andaloro, People.com, 9 May 2025 According to Shaw, this is exactly what happened when Tupac later moved to Los Angeles and fully embraced the elevated gangsta image. — Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gangsta

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gangsta

Noun

The eponymous former assassin is drawn back into the game after some thugs (led by Alfie Allen) kill his dog and royally piss him off.

— Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Aug. 2026
Tae-ha’s mom left him after Sang-gil, who was also a boxer prior to becoming a thug, cheated in a match.

— Kayti Burt, Time, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of thug

Noun

One of the most striking aspects of the novel is its characters’ profound self-consciousness about the place of the gangster in American culture.

— Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
Related Stories The story follows Robbie, whose parents were murdered at the hands of notorious gangster Franz Müller in the 90s.

— Alex Ritman, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of gangster

Noun

Hailing from London as the son of hardscrabble fruit sellers, Winstone was often asked to channel his rough-and-tumble upbringing and pre-acting career as a boxer into mobster and villain roles.

— Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Aug. 2026
Standing in his way is a mysterious villain intent on his destruction.

— Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of villain

Browse Nearby Words

gangs

gangsta

gangstas

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Style

“Gangsta.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gangsta. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of gangsta

noun

Example Sentences

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