Synonyms of vigilante

vigilante

noun

ˌvi-jə-ˈlan-tē 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• nemesis
• avenger
• punisher
• chastiser
• scourge
• revenger
• castigator
• redresser
• righter
• requiter

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• redeemer
• vindicator
• ransomer

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of vigilante

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

The massacre devastated Wilmington’s flourishing Black middle class and sent a message of impunity to white vigilantes nationwide. — Namara Smith, New Yorker, 5 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