CUTTHROAT Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

cutthroat 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of cutthroat

as in ruthless

not guided by or showing a concern for what is right cutthroat business practices intended to drive competitors out of business

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cutthroat

2 of 2

noun

ˈkət-ˌthrōt

as in assassin

a person who kills another person while traveling the ancient Silk Road, traders were constant prey to cutthroats and thieves

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of cutthroat

Adjective

The Netflix series from Rebecca Cutter starring Malin Akerman and Brittany Snow, who lead a cutthroat yet soapy set of Texas housewives, has nabbed a season three renewal ahead of season two’s return. — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026 The story plays out in New York’s cutthroat acting scene, where a talented Indian actor chasing his craft falls under the sway of Keitel’s teacher. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026

Noun

Coming off a cutthroat season that drew the most viewers back to the program in a decade, the competition coming this fall is already gearing up to be one for the books. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 18 June 2026 Knowing the history of the cutthroat beer wars of the past is required to understand King Snedley’s unexpected appearance. — Bill Swank, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cutthroat

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cutthroat

Adjective

In Kate’s office, Bromilow is Agnes, Kate’s boss, with an apex predator’s instincts and a medieval court’s management style; Macmillan plays Brian an effortlessly charming, quietly ruthless high-flyer; Hill is Georgie, Kate’s cunning rival.

— Denise Petski, Deadline, 10 Nov. 2026
The ruthless county SHEriff has professional-grade acetone running through her veins.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of ruthless

Noun

The explosion killed him and fourteen others in his vicinity, as well as the assassin, and injured another forty-three.

— Sonia Gandhi, Vanity Fair, 10 Nov. 2026
Martin McDonagh’s latest comedy drama casts Malkovich as Chris Carlisle, a dying CIA assassin who in 1973 is visiting Chile’s Easter Island with a protégé, played by Sam Rockwell, who just may kill his mentor before their getaway is over.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of assassin

Adjective

Hollywood called out as immoral as studio puts paying viewers in charge of the screen.

— , FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026
Convince people that an innocent person represents an existential threat, furnish them with a frightening conspiracy theory about an immoral enemy, and some may become willing to kill.

— Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of immoral

Noun

Mailer’s masterpiece chronicles the true story of Gilmore, a cold-blooded murderer who, after being tried and convicted for killing two men in Utah, insisted on being executed for his crimes.

— Justin Kroll, Deadline, 10 Nov. 2026
More than 40 years later, no efforts have been made to prosecute or extradite the presumptive murderers.

— David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of murderer

Adjective

Nora was impacted by a corrupt boss and his choice to cover up a crime, which simultaneously tanked her own career ambition.

— Caitlin White, Variety, 10 Nov. 2026
The voters repudiated the president in every way, growing tired of his lies, corrupt administration, unqualified Cabinet members, tariffs, needless wars, ongoing inflation, and undignified and boorish behavior.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of corrupt

Noun

There was an emotional embrace between Javits's father and students at the school who spoke about their late friend, and gave a message to his killers.

— CBS News, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026
The findings officially linked the two murders, confirming there was a serial killer active in Washington County at the time, Petrosky said.

— Maria Aguilar Prieto, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of killer

Adjective

And there’s an apparent loophole — unscrupulous growers have been stripping the labels off foreign pesticides for some time, according to law enforcement sources.

— Paige St. John, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026
Some agents joined the unscrupulous agent and formed a sub-colony of cheaters.

— Noah Giansiracusa, Time, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of unscrupulous

Adjective

His vote is of no more worth than that of any unprincipled foreigner or hireling native, who may have been bought.

— René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
To avoid being a mark for unprincipled lenders, borrowers shouldn’t rush into refinancing without considering all their choices.

— Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026