Synonyms of gangsta

gangsta

noun

ˈgaŋ(k)-stə 

as in thug

a violent, brutal person who is often a member of an organized gang

the short, violence-filled life of an inner-city gangsta

Synonyms & Similar Words

• thug
• gangster
• criminal
• villain
• pirate
• bandit
• hoodlum
• assassin
• hood
• thief
• gangbanger
• tough
• mobster
• gorilla
• punk
• offender
• ruffian
• bully
• hooligan
• goon
• rowdy
• roughneck
• yob
• yobbo
• plug-ugly
• toughie
• perpetrator
• robber
• scoundrel
• outlaw
• felon
• cutthroat
• mafioso
• desperado
• mug
• crook
• brigand
• perp
• lawbreaker
• highwayman
• racketeer
• vandal
• gunman
• swindler
• pickpocket
• malefactor
• bravo
• juvenile delinquent
• tearaway

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of gangsta

In fact, all forms of Persian rap — from street rap and gangsta to philosophical and social hip-hop — were used in the service of protest, with many works accompanied by heavy beats, dark atmospheres, and harsh narrative styles. — Ali Farahmand, IndieWire, 23 May 2025

The tough, gangsta image that defined late ’80s and early ’90s hip-hop had now been sanded down into something more aspirational and decidedly capitalist. — Kyndall Cunningham, Vox, 12 May 2025

The Geto Boys used expletives and a lot of bravado, but the core of their message is that a ‘gangsta’ is unafraid to be themselves, and confident in their experience. — Angela Andaloro, People.com, 9 May 2025

According to Shaw, this is exactly what happened when Tupac later moved to Los Angeles and fully embraced the elevated gangsta image. — Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 18 Apr. 2025