Synonyms of malefactor

malefactor

noun

ˈma-lə-ˌfak-tər 

1

as in criminal

a person who commits moral wrongs

she regards anyone who would cause the breakup of a family as a malefactor of the worst sort

Synonyms & Similar Words

• criminal
• offender
• wrongdoer
• sinner
• villain
• evildoer
• immoralist
• transgressor
• felon
• corrupter
• lawbreaker
• reprobate
• crook
• miscreant
• misfeasor
• misdoer

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• innocent
• angel
• saint

2

as in offender

a person who has committed a crime

the victim was able to give a clear description of the malefactor to the police

Synonyms & Similar Words

• offender
• criminal
• culprit
• lawbreaker
• defendant
• crook
• miscreant
• perpetrator
• accomplice
• principal
• villain
• wrongdoer
• suspect
• transgressor
• sinner
• perp
• convict
• misdemeanant
• thug
• outlaw
• trespasser
• jailbird
• desperado
• racketeer
• mobster
• gangster
• hoodlum
• hooligan
• recidivist
• gun
• evildoer
• fish
• triggerman
• gunsel
• backslider
• detainee
• arrestee
• gallows bird
• blackhander
• gunman
• enforcer
• misfeasor
• misdoer
• hit man
• button man
• accused
• relapser
• repeater

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lawman
• gangbuster

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of malefactor

But in his wake, an even more malicious malefactor arose, taking advantage of a gaping spiritual void to double down on Jeff's sadistic coercion. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Apr. 2026

Electronic medical records were once touted as secure, but whole hospital systems have been taken down and held for ransom by malefactors. — Cory Franklin, Twin Cities, 23 Nov. 2025

The Sea of Excrement, with its bobbing malefactors, is especially memorable. — New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025

On social media, Tan was pugilistic to the point of belligerence, casting his political enemies as corrupt malefactors responsible for the despoliation of his beloved city. — Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2025