Synonyms of hoodlums

hoodlums

noun

plural of hoodlum

as in thugs

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

a couple of hoodlums held up the convenience store

Synonyms & Similar Words

• thugs
• criminals
• gangsters
• bandits
• villains
• thieves
• assassins
• pirates
• ruffians
• hooligans
• rowdies
• offenders
• mobsters
• bullies
• punks
• toughs
• goons
• hoods
• gorillas
• roughnecks
• gangbangers
• yobs
• gangstas
• yobbos
• perpetrators
• toughies
• robbers
• scoundrels
• plug-uglies
• crooks
• outlaws
• cutthroats
• brigands
• desperadoes
• felons
• lawbreakers
• vandals
• racketeers
• gunmen
• highwaymen
• mafiosi
• swindlers
• mugs
• malefactors
• pickpockets
• perps
• bravos
• juvenile delinquents
• tearaways

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of hoodlums

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

In the past decade, the leadership of the Kinahan organization has become rich and cosmopolitan, and their life styles have started to resemble those of international businessmen more than of street hoodlums. — Ed Caesar, New Yorker, 30 Apr. 2026

The first pictures McCullin took were of hoodlums and down-and-outs, subjects that reflected his own hardscrabble background. — Andrew Pulver, Air Mail, 31 Jan. 2026

Aleah and Grasso end up saving Lizzie’s ass and capturing the hoodlums. — Grace Byron, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025

However, hoodlums and thugs who throw objects at the players give up their rights and should be removed, charged, and possibly jailed. — Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Aug. 2025