Synonyms of hooligans

hooligans

noun

plural of hooligan

as in thugs

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

London bobbies clearing the streets of hooligans

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of hooligans

Eventually, allegory overwhelms dramaturgy, with a group of soccer hooligans—emblems of the volatility of men under threat—playing a pivotal role in Leo’s end. — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2026

Literally after the film, there was false-flag stuff from the extreme right, who were dressed as hooligans, dressed as cops. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026

Infantry has been around since officers figured out how to get soldiers organized instead of fighting in melees like football hooligans on a Saturday night after 12 pints of lager. — New Atlas, 13 Sep. 2026

But we were being held up by some hooligans fighting in front of us. — Aston Villa, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

There’s still time to make the most of your Southern summer, with old-fashioned traditions to help you—and perhaps a few other neighborhood hooligans from back in the day—feel like a kid again. — Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 22 July 2026

Andric argued that former soccer players targeted by hooligans were indeed a social group deserving protection, but the judges didn’t buy it. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026

But the victims were labeled as hooligans, and many survivors and victims' families felt the government had not done enough to investigate. — Lauren Frayer, NPR, 9 July 2026

Another problem identified by the immigration law judge was that a social group consisting of Serbian soccer players who are victims of violence from soccer hooligans is too fluid. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 July 2026