Synonyms of cutthroat

cutthroat 1 of 2

adjective

as in ruthless

not guided by or showing a concern for what is right

cutthroat business practices intended to drive competitors out of business

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ruthless
• immoral
• corrupt
• unscrupulous
• unprincipled
• Machiavellian
• unethical
• merciless
• unconscionable
• crooked
• dishonest
• pitiless
• deceitful
• calculating
• remorseless
• opportunistic
• depraved
• profligate
• degenerate
• dog-eat-dog
• debased
• licentious
• degraded
• debauched
• demoralized
• libertine
• decadent
• knavish
• scheming
• dissipated
• jackleg
• cheapjack
• sharp

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ethical
• moral
• scrupulous
• good
• noble
• honorable
• virtuous
• conscientious
• principled
• righteous
• just

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

• assassin
• murderer
• killer
• homicide
• torpedo
• butcher
• manslayer
• slayer
• slaughterer
• executioner
• murderess
• massacrer
• hit man
• triggerman
• bravo

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of cutthroat

Adjective

Week-one eliminations seem wholly unfair, but Dancing With the Stars is nothing if not cutthroat as hell. — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2026

Amid eerie war simulations, cutthroat competitions and foreboding new technology, four students are drawn together for a mysterious mission. — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 15 Sep. 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