Synonyms of pirate

pirate 1 of 2

noun

ˈpī-rət 

as in buccaneer

someone who engages in robbery of ships at sea

Sir Francis Drake was a British pirate who preyed on Spanish ships with the connivance of Elizabeth I

Synonyms & Similar Words

• buccaneer
• privateer
• freebooter
• corsair
• raider
• robber
• rover
• marauder
• plunderer
• looter
• pillager
• despoiler

pirate

2 of 2

verb

as in to seize

to take or make use of under a guise of authority but without actual right

using pirated software that was subject to copyright

Synonyms & Similar Words

• seize
• steal
• confiscate
• grab
• convert
• usurp
• occupy
• appropriate
• claim
• commandeer
• take over
• loot
• assume
• invade
• preempt
• annex
• snatch
• expropriate
• press
• arrogate
• pillage
• attach
• trespass
• repossess
• impound
• despoil
• collar
• grasp
• infringe
• sequester
• wrench
• encroach
• preoccupy
• misuse
• wrest
• embezzle
• misappropriate
• misapply
• peculate

Examples of pirate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The film centers on a group of kids who discover an old treasure map and set out to find the fortunes of a legendary pirate named One-Eyed Willy. —Zack Sharf, Variety, 13 Sep. 2024

Somewhere in between pirate slacks and bloomers, these flowy pants are longer than Bermuda shorts and cinched at the calf. —Irina Grechko, refinery29.com, 2 Oct. 2024

Verb

Parrot Analytics compiles something called an audience demand metric, which is based on Google searches, how often people visit a show’s Wikipedia and IMDb pages, audience views of the trailer and other relevant videos on YouTube, pirating (!) as well as social media buzz. —Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2024

The movie follows an amorous experiment of sorts with the actors’ friend, Viola, who delivers DVDs as part of her boyfriend’s pirating business. —Julian Manning, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 May 2024