hacker

noun

ˈha-kər How to pronounce hacker (audio)
Definition of hackernext
1
as in cracker
a person who illegally gains access to a computer system and sometimes tampers with its information the company's security experts spent days trying to figure out how a hacker could have gotten past the firewall

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in amateur
a person who lacks experience and competence in an art or science weekend golf hackers who are there mainly for the social networking

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 hacker Directed by Bittar, who co-wrote the screenplay with Vinícius Perez, the film follows Daniel, played by João Guilherme, from his early fascination with computers to his emergence as one of Brazil’s most skilled young hackers. — Ed Meza, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026 The hackers were not going after a research lab or a test AI. — John Caruso, Hartford Courant, 20 Aug. 2026 The rollout was preempted when hackers leaked apparent footage online this week. — Russ Bynum, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026 But the hacker, an individual or group calling itself Cyberleek, continues to release updates. — Angela Yang, NBC news, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hacker
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hacker
  1. cyberpunk
  2. amateur
  3. geek
  4. kid
  5. beginner
  6. hack
  7. novice
Noun
  • Cyberpunk is the best known of all, assuming itself as an antithesis of utopian visions of science fiction worlds and simultaneously as a space of dystopias in which the cyberpunk fights against artificial intelligence that controls the world.
    — Paulo Nuno VicenteAll, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026
  • Many are financed through crowdfunding, with subscribers garnering exclusive perks, and embrace subtitles and alternate audio (a series like the Japanese cyberpunk Milky Subway is dubbed in 10 different languages).
    — Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2026
Definition of cyberpunk
Noun
  • Whaley is trying to become the first English amateur to win since Matt Fitzpatrick at Brookline in 2013.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Contrary to perceptions, nonprofit workers aren’t well-meaning amateurs waiting for tech to save the day, but savvy operators with deep community knowledge and relationships that can’t simply be replicated.
    — Max Simkoff, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of amateur
Noun
  • There’s a whole world of lagers out there that would make even the snobbiest beer geek do a double take—beers that have nothing in common with the watery brews that once defined the style for so many Americans.
    — Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Fortunately, Green’s film exists — and was not thrown into a little black hole by a bunch of accountants, never to be seen again — and can surely help cure any of the pain its backstory still inflicts on movie fans and Tunes geeks.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of geek
Noun
  • The 34-year-old gave birth there to all three kids, Levi, 5, Elijah, 3, and Rae, who turns 1 in September.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Just as many people can’t afford to have someone else clean their homes, landscape their yards or nanny their kids, those struggling to make ends meet may need to lean on AI assistance.
    — Billy J. Stratton, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of kid
Noun
  • That level of integration not only simplifies the workflow for beginners but also creates a more efficient and consistent experience for professionals who regularly produce parts.
    — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Our group is so welcoming, and there are always more seasoned players willing to teach and play with beginners, like me.
    — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of beginner
Noun
  • The company is looking to significantly grow its revenue in this area, pitching businesses on using its models to prevent hacks and breaches.
    — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Californians are no strangers to the many, many health and longevity hacks on the market.
    — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of hack
Noun
  • The novice senator is beginning her sixth week on the job, having been appointed to fill her late brother Lindsey Graham's seat two days after his sudden death on July 11.
    — Sophia Vlahakis, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • An aurora photographer who spoke to National Geographic offered tips for novices trying to take photos of the phenomenon, including would-be photographers who only have access to a smartphone camera.
    — Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of novice

Browse Nearby Words

hacked (off)
hacker
hackers
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Cite this Entry

“Hacker.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hacker. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hacker

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hacker

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