SCOUNDREL Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

scoundrel

noun

ˈskau̇n-drəl

Definition of scoundrel

as in villain

a mean, evil, or unprincipled person some scoundrel stole my wallet

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 scoundrel But that just reinforces Samuel Johnson’s adage that patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026 Speaking of that last vampire subject, this is also a great episode for Jacob Anderson in the B-plot, as Louis plays the reluctant avenger doing that loveable scoundrel Raglan James’s dirty work in two stand-out action sequences. — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 22 June 2026 Political leaders who encourage or tolerate such scoundrels should be driven from office. — Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 23 Feb. 2026 Giannis, a gentleman even in this era of scoundrels, likely wants to do right by the Bucks, too. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 3 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scoundrel

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scoundrel

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

Noun

Most sportsmen wonder how any whitetail bucks, let alone a brute such as Kontras’, could have been so easily patterned.

— Jeff Murray, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026
The show’s depiction of Hugh as a family man has been much more sympathetic than the book’s description of him as a power-hungry brute.

— James Grebey, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of brute

Browse Nearby Words

scotching

scoundrel

scoundrelly

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

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Synonyms of scoundrel

noun

Example Sentences

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