Looking for synonyms for bad guy? We’ve got you covered!
Here’s a list of other ways to say bad guy.
- Villain
- Antagonist
- Nemesis
- Malefactor
- Wrongdoer
- Evil-doer
- Miscreant
- Culprit
- Rogue
- Scoundrel
- Foe
- Criminal
- Outlaw
- Delinquent
- Ruffian
- Felon
- Lawbreaker
- Perpetrator
- Offender
- Black hat
Want to learn how to say bad guy professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.
1. Villain
Usage: Typically used in literary, cinematic, or dramatic contexts to describe a character with evil motives.
Example: “The film’s villain was a mastermind with a complex backstory.”
2. Antagonist
Usage: Common in literature and film to denote the primary opponent of the protagonist.
Example: “In the corporate drama, the antagonist was a rival business executive.”
3. Nemesis
Usage: Often used to describe a long-standing rival or arch-enemy, especially in competitive or adversarial scenarios.
Example: “The CEO referred to the competing company’s leader as his nemesis.”
4. Malefactor
Usage: A formal term, typically used in legal or moral discussions, to describe someone who commits wrongful acts.
Example: “The judge sentenced the malefactor to ten years in prison for his crimes.”
5. Wrongdoer
Usage: A general term for someone who does something illegal or unethical, suitable in legal and ethical discussions.
Example: “The committee investigated the actions of the wrongdoer within the organization.”
6. Evil-doer
Usage: Used in contexts where moral judgment is emphasized, often in religious or ethical discussions.
Example: “The board denounced the former CEO as an evil-doer who betrayed the company’s values.”
7. Miscreant
Usage: A formal term often used in legal or literary contexts to describe a person who behaves badly or breaks the law.
Example: “Security was tightened to prevent miscreants from disrupting the event.”
8. Culprit
Usage: Commonly used in criminal or investigative contexts to refer to the person responsible for a wrongdoing.
Example: “The detective identified the culprit behind the corporate espionage.”
9. Rogue
Usage: Often used to describe someone who behaves unpredictably or operates outside normal conventions, especially in politics or business.
Example: “The rogue trader caused a massive loss to the bank.”
10. Scoundrel
Usage: A somewhat old-fashioned term, used to describe a person who acts unethically or dishonorably.
Example: “The whistleblower exposed the scoundrel who had been manipulating the company’s accounts.”
11. Foe
Usage: Commonly used in competitive, political, or military contexts to describe an enemy or opponent.
Example: “In the market race, the emerging startup became the established company’s greatest foe.”
12. Criminal
Usage: A broad term for anyone who has committed a crime, widely used in legal, law enforcement, and journalistic contexts.
Example: “The investigation team finally apprehended the notorious criminal.”
13. Outlaw
Usage: Historically used to describe someone living outside the law; now also used metaphorically in various contexts.
Example: “The CEO was known as an outlaw in the business world for his unconventional strategies.”
14. Delinquent
Usage: Often used in legal and social contexts to describe someone, typically a young person, who frequently breaks the law.
Example: “The company implemented a program to help reform young delinquents in the community.”
15. Ruffian
Usage: A term used to describe a violent or lawless individual, often in literary or historical narratives.
Example: “The security team was wary of the ruffian causing disturbances at the event.”
16. Felon
Usage: A legal term specifically for someone who has committed a felony, used in law enforcement and legal contexts.
Example: “The court convicted the executive as a felon for his financial crimes.”
17. Lawbreaker
Usage: A general term for anyone who breaks the law, suitable in legal and public discourse.
Example: “The new regulations aimed to deter potential lawbreakers in the industry.”
18. Perpetrator
Usage: Commonly used in criminal justice to refer to someone who has committed a specific offense or crime.
Example: “The cybersecurity team sought to identify the perpetrator of the data breach.”
19. Offender
Usage: A term used in legal and correctional contexts to describe someone who has committed an offense.
Example: “The board discussed the consequences for the offender of the company’s policy.”
20. Black hat
Usage: Specifically used in cybersecurity to refer to individuals who engage in malicious hacking.
Example: “The IT department was on high alert for black hat hackers during the product launch.”
