Thesaurus
Synonyms of ruffian
a violent, brutal person who is often a member of an organized gang
- a gang of ruffians preying upon people who ventured into that section of town
Synonyms for ruffian
Words Related to ruffian
- assassin,
- bandit,
- bravo,
- brigand,
- criminal,
- crook,
- desperado,
- felon,
- gunman,
- highwayman,
- lawbreaker,
- mafioso,
- malefactor,
- offender,
- outlaw,
- perp,
- perpetrator,
- pirate
- juvenile delinquent,
- tearaway
- [British]
Learn More About ruffian
From the Editors at Merriam-Webster
A Handy Guide to Ruffians,...
A Handy Guide to Ruffians, Rapscallions, Cads & More
22 charming words for nasty people
Cite this Entry
“Ruffian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruffian. Accessed 20 Aug. 2022.
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Time Traveler for ruffian
The first known use of ruffian was circa 1525
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