poacher

noun

Definition of poachernext
1
as in smuggler

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2
as in hunter

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of poacher His job is basically to keep poachers away and to make sure that there are enough pheasants for a jolly shooting party (which, since Sir Clifford uses a wheelchair, seems an improbable entertainment at Wragby). — Louis Menand, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 According to The Sun, an anonymous source within the South African police said investigators suspect that the couple may have encountered a group of poachers and were killed to prevent them from speaking out. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 24 May 2026 Armed rangers at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy guard them from poachers every minute of every day. — Alex Morris, Rolling Stone, 19 May 2026 Forced into an uneasy alliance with a sharp-witted poacher living on the margins of society (Kellyman), the two women fight back, turning their powerlessness into strength through violence, wit, and defiance. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for poacher
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poacher
  1. smuggler
  2. hunter
  3. rustler
  4. falconer
  5. bandit
  6. birder
  7. pirate
  8. fowler
Noun
  • The drug smugglers who had hired Rangel told Para that her husband had been killed.
    — Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026
  • Hartman said the physical conditions alone can be exhausting before agents ever encounter a smuggler.
    — Brooke Taylor, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of smuggler
Noun
  • Historian Casey Pallister argues that the brief but intense era of the bone hunters, those who scoured the land for the bones, should be better known.
    — Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 20 July 2026
  • Now, over a year after the film’s premiere, the demand for merchandise is finally being fulfilled with the pending release of dolls of singers/demon hunters Rumi, Mira and Zoey from Mattel, role-playing toys from Hasbro and Funko Pops!
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of hunter
Noun
  • The 20-track LP serves as equal parts music and cinema in which Crockett weaves a tale of McLane as a cattle rustler on the run from the law who — eventually — gets his redemption.
    — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Siringo was appointed a New Mexico Ranger in 1916 and for two years saw active service against cattle rustlers.
    — Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Definition of rustler
Noun
  • Master falconer Rebecca Rosen introduces the concept of eco-friendly pest control while hawks, falcons and owls swoop and call overhead.
    — Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 5 June 2026
  • His campaign spokesperson Stefanie Spear, now a top adviser at the nation's health department, said roadkill was how Kennedy, a longtime falconer, fed his birds.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 May 2026
Definition of falconer
Noun
  • People in northwest Nigeria are caught between regular attacks by bandit groups who specialize in kidnapping for ransom and Islamist militants who have been expanding their territory.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026
  • Instead, most are romantic stories about young lovers separated by fate, and the rest are swashbuckling adventures full of bandits and pirates.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 June 2026
Definition of bandit
Noun
  • Since then, Tenorio has become a regular birder and volunteer at events.
    — Evgenia Anastasakos, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026
  • The loss concerns an avid birder like Gang.
    — Noel Brennan, CBS News, 10 June 2026
Definition of birder
Noun
  • Sources tell Deadline that Sony Pictures is in negotiations to land the project, with Scott directing and Jackman on board to play the pirate Long John Silver.
    — Justin Kroll, Deadline, 22 July 2026
  • This uprising of students at the Athens Polytechnic University and their famous pirate-radio broadcasts are commonly understood to be the beginning of the end of the junta.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 July 2026
Definition of pirate
Noun
  • The Fowlers have three children — including a son and daughter who are also Chapman alumni — 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and divide their time between residences on the East and West Coasts.
    — Orange County Register, Orange County Register, 28 Mar. 2017
Definition of fowler

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Cite this Entry

“Poacher.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poacher. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on poacher

Nglish: Translation of poacher for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about poacher

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