hooligans

noun

plural of hooligan
as in thugs
a violent, brutal person who is often a member of an organized gang London bobbies clearing the streets of hooligans

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 hooligans There’s still time to make the most of your Southern summer, with old-fashioned traditions to help you—and perhaps a few other neighborhood hooligans from back in the day—feel like a kid again. — Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 22 July 2026 Andric argued that former soccer players targeted by hooligans were indeed a social group deserving protection, but the judges didn’t buy it. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026 But the victims were labeled as hooligans, and many survivors and victims' families felt the government had not done enough to investigate. — Lauren Frayer, NPR, 9 July 2026 Another problem identified by the immigration law judge was that a social group consisting of Serbian soccer players who are victims of violence from soccer hooligans is too fluid. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 July 2026 The actions of hooligans following the Knicks championship is inexcusable. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 17 June 2026 Not only were hooligans running riot every week, but the grounds weren’t fit for purpose, and attendances were locked into a sustained nosedive. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 23 May 2026 But Bruce stands apart from his fellow hooligans. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026 Passengers could only stare out the windows as about a dozen hooligans jumped atop the bus while others sprayed it with graffiti, including on the bus' windshield. — Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 30 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hooligans
  1. thugs
  2. criminals
  3. gangsters
  4. bandits
  5. villains
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
  • Shortly after his big win, he’s attacked by two thugs in a parking garage.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 30 July 2026
Definition of thugs
Noun
  • Throughout the bar are blurbs of information on cases and criminals, researched by Rose and the team.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026
  • When criminals are behind bars, their victims should finally be safe from them.
    — Caden Perry, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of criminals
Noun
  • The bodies start piling up – and business booms – but the growing enterprise puts the trio in the crosshairs of the powerful gangsters and underworld figures in the lawless border town of Saribgunj.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Duane Keith Davis is accused of orchestrating Shakur’s killing in September 1996, and the lore of other rappers and gangsters looms large over his trial.
    — Aditi Sangal, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of gangsters
Noun
  • Analysts warn each ransom payment fuels more crime as armed groups, from rural bandits to Islamist militants, raid schools, mosques and villages, with an average of 21 kidnappings reported daily.
    — Dyepkazah Shibayan, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The Brigands of Rattlecreek follows a sheriff and a doctor who seek revenge against a group of bandits who use the cover of a torrential thunderstorm to rob and terrorize the occupants of a small town.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of bandits
Noun
  • At the time of the arrest, many royal observers speculated about Harry and Meghan’s reaction, especially since they had often been portrayed as the family villains.
    — Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 25 Aug. 2026
  • As baseball's new villains, the Dodgers' fate in October will be the most talked about storyline.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of villains

Browse Nearby Words

hooliganism
hooligans
hoop
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Cite this Entry

“Hooligans.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hooligans. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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