desperadoes

noun

variants or desperados
plural of desperado
as in bandits
old-fashioned a violent criminal who is not afraid of getting hurt or caught A documentary about some notorious desperados of the Wild West.

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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 desperadoes Most are not desperados on the run. — William Morris, Des Moines Register, 4 Mar. 2026 These are desperadoes in the White House. — Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 26 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for desperadoes
  1. bandits
  2. offenders
  3. villains
  4. beasts
  5. monsters
Noun
  • Instead, most are romantic stories about young lovers separated by fate, and the rest are swashbuckling adventures full of bandits and pirates.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 June 2026
  • Fantastical adventures ensue as the pair encounter a mysterious woman, Alexandra, who has lost her son, along with coyotes, bandits, and some pretty big secrets.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 29 June 2026
Definition of bandits
Noun
  • Numerous programs are being implemented to attempt to reduce the probability of recidivism through education and counseling and to reintegrate offenders into society.
    — Ronald J. Allen, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026
  • Ireland has approved landmark legislation to create the country’s first public register of domestic violence offenders, in a move campaigners say will empower people to check whether a potential partner has a history of violence.
    — Kara Fox, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
Definition of offenders
Noun
  • The Modi government has portrayed the demonstrators as villains.
    — Omkar Khandekar, NPR, 20 July 2026
  • Corey Hawkins, who is also Black, gets more screentime than either and is one of the film’s suitor villains.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of villains
Noun
  • Some of the fiercest beasts of prey in your garden are on your side.
    — Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026
  • The world drew heavily from the paintings of fantasy illustrator Frank Frazetta, who depicted scenes of barbarians and beasts in conflict, of pulp fiction heroes, femme fatales, and fierce warrior women.
    — Steve Appleford, SPIN, 29 June 2026
Definition of beasts
Noun
  • With its vivid monsters and an emphatic, complex dive into the human heart, Homer has inspired countless adaptations, from stage, screen, television, comics, alongside a continuous stream of new translations.
    — Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 14 July 2026
  • At their Czech–Indian wedding, Jacob and Mia’s tradition-hungry guests unexpectedly begin transforming into flesh-eating monsters.
    — John Hopewell, Variety, 14 July 2026
Definition of monsters

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Cite this Entry

“Desperadoes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desperadoes. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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