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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of malefactor
If not properly secured, OTA updates may be intercepted and altered by malefactors, risking the reliability of the entire system.
—
Klaudia Zaika, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
In her introductory speech, Amanpour foreshadows what’s to come, warning that malefactors with enticing narratives can only manipulate us because of our eagerness to believe them.
—Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2024
In 2011, ahead of his reelection campaign, Barack Obama traveled to Osawatomie, Kan., to attack the malefactors of great wealth.
—Matthew Continetti, National Review, 19 Oct. 2024
Maybe the origin of Downey's Doom won't involve torture or an evil malefactor specifically out to ruin his life.
—Christian Holub, EW.com, 16 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for malefactor
Klaudia Zaika, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
In her introductory speech, Amanpour foreshadows what’s to come, warning that malefactors with enticing narratives can only manipulate us because of our eagerness to believe them.
—Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2024
In 2011, ahead of his reelection campaign, Barack Obama traveled to Osawatomie, Kan., to attack the malefactors of great wealth.
—Matthew Continetti, National Review, 19 Oct. 2024
Maybe the origin of Downey's Doom won't involve torture or an evil malefactor specifically out to ruin his life.
—Christian Holub, EW.com, 16 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for malefactor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for malefactor
Noun
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As the Trump administration continues deporting alleged criminals without due process, John Oliver can’t help but worry for who’s next.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
4 May 2025
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She's seen meeting with fellow criminals and loading a gun in the teaser.—
Caroline Blair,
People.com,
2 May 2025
Noun
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Harmonies abound as Elliott and Aaliyah take turns bemoaning the wrongdoer, culminating in a double-time shakedown from Da Brat. 52.—
Steven J. Horowitz,
Vulture,
11 Apr. 2025
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Ancient petroglyphs carved into volcanic rock outside Bishop in the eastern Sierra were recently damaged by vandals, and federal authorities want to bring the wrongdoers to justice.—
Nathan Solis,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Frey was the Game of Thrones villain who orchestrated that show’s infamous Red Wedding, a premeditated and highly violent attack on a large group of people that took place during a wedding reception.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
13 May 2025
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The filmmaker released a 15-second preview of the trailer, featuring footage of a battle between Superman and a mechanized villain named the Hammer of Boravia.—
Michileen Martin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 May 2025
Noun
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Everyone’s a sinner — Elijah Gemstone and his descendants more than most.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
10 Mar. 2025
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Goggins is simply incredible, fully committed to Baby Billy’s comic lunacy yet never losing sight of his recovering sinner’s withered heart.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
9 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Malefactor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malefactor. Accessed 16 May. 2025.
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