GUNSEL Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

gunsel

noun

Definition of gunsel

slang

as in racketeer

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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 gunsel Generally, Complaining About The Cost is the first page of the playbook for politicians under investigation by special counsels, and for their gunsels and mouthpieces as well. — Charles P. Pierce, Esquire, 5 Dec. 2017

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gunsel

Noun

Rankin singles out the remarkable career of Sakai Eizo, a racketeer who founded the Great Japanese Order of Righteousness.

— Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Of course, entrusting waste management to gangsters and racketeers has repercussions.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 July 2026

Definition of racketeer

Noun

Certain alleyways were favored for chases and gangster murders.

— Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
When citizens rioted in 1918 because the prices of essential commodities such as rice had spiralled out of control, gangsters were hired to crack down on the protesters.

— Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of gangster

Noun

But Rankin mentions a Japanese mobster who was asked what the arrival of overseas competitors meant for the ancient codes of yakuza chivalry.

— Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Jay cites the scene in which Tommy DeVito (played by Joe Pesci) threatens Billy Batts (Frank Vincent) with increasingly outrageous acts of violence, turning the mobster’s menace into dark comedy.

— John Kennedy, VIBE.com, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of mobster

Noun

His warning was meant for American eyes and ears at least as much — if not more so — than for the government in Jerusalem that until now has encouraged the hoodlums by tolerating their violence.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2026
Also in his orbit are a consortium of crooks, including his cousin Freddie, a hip junkie, and Pepper, a taciturn hoodlum who was friends with Ray’s dad, Big Mike, a legendary thief.

— Niela Orr, Vulture, 20 July 2026

Definition of hoodlum

Noun

Previously, the injunction applied only to the specific plaintiffs in the lawsuit, including specific organizations, gun stores and state agencies.

— Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 13 Oct. 2026
As the two men fought in the front yard, Lopez tried to take Hager’s gun from his holster, according to his arrest report.

— David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of gun

Noun

The alleged triggerman was not — John Gurino was gunned down in a 2003 dispute with a Boca Raton deli owner.

— Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 5 July 2026
Broadnax, who was tried as the triggerman, was sentenced to death, while Cummings, who was tried as his accomplice, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

— Jamie Landers, Dallas Morning News, 8 Apr. 2026

Definition of triggerman

Noun

Rival fans were quick to jump all over this fact, given that both the Panthers and the Tkachuk brothers were seen as polarizing villains throughout the NHL.

— Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Is that the most difficult thing for you as the showrunner of a political show today — a president as a villain?

— Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of villain

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“Gunsel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gunsel. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of gunsel

noun

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