blackguard 1 of 2

Definition of blackguardnext

blackguard

2 of 2

verb

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 blackguard
Noun
Edgar finds work in the hamlet of Dreng’s Ferry with Dreng himself, an all-around blackguard, but eventually Edgar’s intelligence and capability propel him into the building trade. Washington Post, 17 Nov. 2020 The endurance of nationalism proves that there’s never any shortage of blackguards willing to prop up people’s sense of themselves and their destiny with a tissue of myths and prophecies, prejudices and hatreds, or to empty out old rubbish bags full of festering resentments and calls to violence. Jill Lepore, Foreign Affairs, 5 Feb. 2019 Despite all the worry about Fukushima, smokers have been inhaling radioactive particles for decadesNicotine - murder weapon of choice for the 19th century blackguard, by Deborah Blum. Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 26 May 2012
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blackguard
Noun
  • Going back to the origins of everyone's favorite scoundrel, Han Solo, may have felt like a no-brainer — especially with Kasdan on board as co-writer — but the film never felt like an essential addition to the rapidly expanding canon.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 17 Dec. 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • To do so would be rude, politically perilous, insulting to our biggest trade partner and just plain weird.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Even if their tastes differ from yours, true friends shouldn’t insult your honest self-expression.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • How does history distinguish knaves from legendary figures?
    W.E. Gutman, Sun Sentinel, 8 July 2025
  • Human beings are motivated by virtue (knights) or rigid self-interest (knaves), or are passive victims of their circumstances (pawns).
    Sachin H. Jain, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • In 2022, Manhattan Federal Judge Jed Rakoff, who presided over both trials, decided The Times was not liable for defamation while jurors were deliberating, that the error amounted to unfortunate editorializing but not libel.
    Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2025
  • As a new, inexpensive Chevrolet appeared in 1927 and The Dearborn Independent was sued for libeling a number of Jewish businessmen, Ford threw in the towel and apologized.
    George Pendle, airmail.news, 15 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Even the Dodgers, the cartoon villains of spending, kind of sort of have a limit.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026
  • And Salieri seems more of hybrid creature, as though a villain out of Christopher Marlowe had suddenly been endowed with Shakespearean self-awareness.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Police noted that Vega was slurring her words and appeared to be drunk.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Someone suffering hypothermia might appear uncoordinated or slur their speech.
    Karl Hille, Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • That rogues’ gallery includes such reprobates as Maura Healey, the fake Indian, Ed Markey, Seth Moulton, crackpot leftist Juliette Kayyem… Percentage of contribution Summers made to Democrats: 100 percent.
    Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 22 Nov. 2025
  • Unlike Vegas with its cast of reprobates and wackos, this joint is classy and clean and just a wee bit indulgent.
    David Weiss, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Tracy Letts is one such person, but his Chicago anecdote paints Colbert as a cad.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Facing pressure to sire a child, Jerome tosses a crude wager the way of his dashing but dim-witted Lothario-like chum Manfred (Nicholas Galitzine) – a bet that the handsome cad won’t be able to woo Cherry and bed her while he’s gone for 100 nights.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 3 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Blackguard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blackguard. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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