as in minions
disapproving
a trusted follower or supporter who performs unpleasant, wrong, or illegal tasks for a powerful person (such as a politician or criminal)
a gangster surrounded by his henchmen
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of henchmen
At his orders, cartel henchmen began setting fire to vehicles, gas stations and government buildings and blockaded major highways.
—
Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
During the ensuing gun battle between soldiers and cartel henchmen, Oseguera escaped.
—Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
Ben, flanked by his henchmen, was seen as formidable and dangerous.
—Thomas Morgan, The Conversation, 3 Feb. 2026
Also newly attached to Write to Kill are Simon Newton and Mike Wood, who will play henchmen.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 4 Dec. 2025
Kyle’s wife, Tracy, suddenly leaves Kingstown for her sister’s home in Ohio this week, urged by Kyle and Mike to get herself and her baby as far away from Merle’s henchmen as possible.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 23 Nov. 2025
At a pivotal moment in the film, Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) casts a spell on Fiyero in a desperate attempt to protect him from the pain and injury inflicted by the Wizard's henchmen.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Nov. 2025
Besides being mugged by one of Iza’s henchmen, a brick was thrown through his window and his car was vandalized.
—Jesse Hyde, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2025
The rebels, apparently satisfied with their loot, paid no mind as the women got into the second car, joining one of the Assad regime’s most notorious henchmen.
—Danny Makki, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
During the ensuing gun battle between soldiers and cartel henchmen, Oseguera escaped.
—Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
Ben, flanked by his henchmen, was seen as formidable and dangerous.
—Thomas Morgan, The Conversation, 3 Feb. 2026
Also newly attached to Write to Kill are Simon Newton and Mike Wood, who will play henchmen.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 4 Dec. 2025
Kyle’s wife, Tracy, suddenly leaves Kingstown for her sister’s home in Ohio this week, urged by Kyle and Mike to get herself and her baby as far away from Merle’s henchmen as possible.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 23 Nov. 2025
At a pivotal moment in the film, Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) casts a spell on Fiyero in a desperate attempt to protect him from the pain and injury inflicted by the Wizard's henchmen.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Nov. 2025
Besides being mugged by one of Iza’s henchmen, a brick was thrown through his window and his car was vandalized.
—Jesse Hyde, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2025
The rebels, apparently satisfied with their loot, paid no mind as the women got into the second car, joining one of the Assad regime’s most notorious henchmen.
—Danny Makki, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for henchmen
Noun
-
Instead, his minions, so afraid of earning his wrath, have remained quiet.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Ackie mostly barks orders at her minions to go get him, while Nighy in his home plays the bad guy demanding blood.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The collection prominently features bones and teeth purported to have come from the bodies of the Buddha, his relatives and disciples.—
Deepa Bharath,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Mar. 2026
-
The collection prominently features bones and teeth believed to have come from the bodies of the Buddha, his relatives and disciples.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Arad's wife urged Israel's leaders not to endanger the lives of Israeli soldiers in their search to bring home his body.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Mar. 2026
-
And on Friday, eight Israeli soldiers were wounded by Hezbollah fire, according to the Israel Defense Forces.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Henchmen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/henchmen. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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