Synonyms of ruffian

ruffian

noun

ˈrə-fē-ən 

as in thug

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 & Similar Words

• thug
• villain
• criminal
• bandit
• gangster
• pirate
• assassin
• thief
• hoodlum
• offender
• hooligan
• bully
• rowdy
• gorilla
• roughneck
• goon
• mobster
• tough
• hood
• punk
• gangsta
• gangbanger
• yobbo
• yob
• scoundrel
• plug-ugly
• toughie
• perpetrator
• robber
• brigand
• desperado
• highwayman
• felon
• outlaw
• cutthroat
• crook
• mug
• lawbreaker
• malefactor
• mafioso
• pickpocket
• swindler
• racketeer
• perp
• vandal
• gunman
• bravo
• juvenile delinquent
• tearaway

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of ruffian

When both young people meet their end the Baron saves Christina by putting Hans’ brain in Christina’s body, uniting their blurred identities in a joint thirst for revenge, creating a Gothic avenger who hunts down the aristocratic ruffians who ruined their happiness. — Rory Doherty, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2025

Friends and neighbors worried that these rumors could attract dangerous young ruffians who might harm them and steal the money. — Mara Bovsun, New York Daily News, 15 Dec. 2024

Then again, the fight scene did that on its own, sounding more refined than ruffian. — Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2024

Troy Stecher is a puck-mover with some two-way ability but is not considered a ruffian in the corners and in front of the net. — Allan Mitchell, The Athletic, 9 Aug. 2024