DEFENDANT Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

defendant

noun

Definition of defendant

as in offender

a person who is being sued or accused of a crime in a court of law The jury believed that the defendant was guilty.

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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 defendant The defendant’s lawyers disputed that argument, asserting the evidence doesn’t prove Robinson’s motivation was connected to Kirk’s political or religious beliefs. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 12 Aug. 2026 All three defendants have pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, conspiracy, child abuse and torture. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026 The defendants would then help the immigrants through the lawful permanent status application process. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026 Of the defendants, Cesar Morales was apportioned 60% of the fault, Arnold Morales 20% of the fault, Alvarez 5% of the fault and Harrison 15% of the fault. — Jason Green, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for defendant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defendant

Noun

This high-security prison is a sprawling complex that houses thousands of detainees, including notorious gangsters, terrorists and prominent white-collar offenders.

— Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
But court documents filed by Bussett in December allege that both victims and their families were told by the district attorney’s office that Butler would plead guilty and serve time at a juvenile facility in exchange for a youthful offender status.

— Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of offender

Noun

North Carolina politician says Democrats are coddling criminals Records also list a September 2025 simple-assault charge and a March 2025 charge of assault on a female.

— Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Even if Anna Pigeon carries a gun with cuffs, as real-life law enforcement rangers do, there's much more to the job and character than chasing down criminals.

— Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of criminal

Noun

The surveillance footage shows the suspect driving behind the 33-year-old rider in the rightmost lane.

— Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Several streets downtown were evacuated after Halifax Regional Police found a vehicle linked to the suspect, Ali Assakereh, parked near the consulate on Monday morning.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of suspect

Noun

In that case, the perpetrator was determined to be a disgruntled patient, Derderian said.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026
Local police previously said on Facebook that there had been reports of seven deaths, including the perpetrator, while multiple people had been injured in the attack.

— Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of perpetrator

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defendable

defendant

defendants

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“Defendant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defendant. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of defendant

noun

Example Sentences

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