hackers

noun

plural of hacker
1
as in crackers
a person who illegally gains access to a computer system and sometimes tampers with its information the company's security experts spent days trying to figure out how a hacker could have gotten past the firewall

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in amateurs
a person who lacks experience and competence in an art or science weekend golf hackers who are there mainly for the social networking

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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 hackers Other hackers have been capitalizing on the leaks too, even pretending to release a 113GB torrent of the game that turned out to be malware. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 25 Aug. 2026 Yet, security researchers say the methods hackers use to breach PLCs are not sophisticated. — Ramy Inocencio, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026 British energy companies are on alert after hackers believed to be affiliated with the Iranian regime temporarily shut down a small-scale energy generator last month, The Sunday Telegraph reported. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026 The series of attacks has shaken the members of the community, despite most users recognizing there was not much that the Cara team could do in the face of escalating capabilities of scrapers and hackers. — Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 The hackers allegedly stole more than 31 terabytes of academic data and intellectual property from universities, as well as emails and other information from employees at private companies, government agencies, and NGOs. — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 18 Aug. 2026 For example, malicious cyber-hackers seeking to wreak havoc could use AI to corrupt the pharmaceutical manufacturing process, creating dangerous, tainted drug products. — Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 While Hollywood often depicts hackers remotely hijacking an entire vehicle, experts say modern attacks are more likely to target the broader ecosystem surrounding autonomous cars. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 13 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hackers
  1. geeks
  2. amateurs
  3. kids
  4. beginners
Noun
  • Fortunately, Green’s film exists — and was not thrown into a little black hole by a bunch of accountants, never to be seen again — and can surely help cure any of the pain its backstory still inflicts on movie fans and Tunes geeks.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Funko occupies a massive physical footprint in a far corner of the convention center at SDCC, the annual pop culture festival that attracts over 130,000 fans and geeks from around the world.
    — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026
Definition of geeks
Noun
  • While not a common path for elite Japanese amateurs, bypassing the NPB draft would not be unprecedented.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Contrary to perceptions, nonprofit workers aren’t well-meaning amateurs waiting for tech to save the day, but savvy operators with deep community knowledge and relationships that can’t simply be replicated.
    — Max Simkoff, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of amateurs
Noun
  • In the center of town, check out Inquiring Minds Bookstore for used and new books with a great kids’ section or Enoki for an eclectic mix of Asian pantry items and vintage clothing.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Sky had a plan for Bake Off that would involve ditching spin-off series, including the professionals and kids’ versions.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of kids
Noun
  • Yarn crafters of all skill levels are welcome, from beginners to experienced makers, the release said.
    — Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Targeted at younger folks and beginners, all three promise proper dirt-bike thrills without the noise, fuel, or maintenance of an ICE motorcycle.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of beginners

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Cite this Entry

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

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