VIGILANTE Synonyms: 13 Similar and Opposite Words

vigilante

noun

ˌvi-jə-ˈlan-tē

Definition of vigilante

as in nemesis

one who inflicts punishment in return for an injury or offense the danger of these self-appointed vigilantes is that they sometimes go after innocent people

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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 vigilante He's viewed by many as a vigilante whose actions against an unfair health care system were justified. — Brian Mann, NPR, 14 Aug. 2026 In major urban centers, persistent joblessness has fueled a resurgence of anti-migrant rhetoric and vigilante violence targeting foreigners from neighboring African states, who are frequently accused of taking jobs and overloading local services. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 12 Aug. 2026 With the state report complete, and vigilante sabotage ruled out, Mulholland retook the inquest stand. — Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026 Bands of vigilantes went after the animals with cricket bats or swerved deliberately to run them over, but the toads continued their relentless spread. — Kimon De Greef, Longreads, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vigilante

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigilante

Noun

The Governors no longer are grouped with Class 5A sectional nemesis Merrillville, which has ended each of their past three seasons.

— Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
There’s the running bit in Bait about Shah getting confused with Dev Patel, and Himesh Patel even appears as Shah’s nemesis also vying for James Bond.

— Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of nemesis

Noun

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
Instead, the young, webbed avenger kept limber by performing headstands and flips and cartwheels on the grass.

— Mary Carole McCauley, Baltimore Sun, 20 June 2026

Definition of avenger

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vigilant

vigilante

vigilantes

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“Vigilante.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigilante. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of vigilante

noun

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