Synonyms of scoundrel

scoundrel

noun

ˈskau̇n-drəl 

as in villain

a mean, evil, or unprincipled person

some scoundrel stole my wallet

Synonyms & Similar Words

• villain
• brute
• monster
• criminal
• savage
• devil
• offender
• wretch
• rascal
• knave
• bandit
• reprobate
• scalawag
• rogue
• scapegrace
• beast
• thug
• assassin
• scamp
• gangster
• varlet
• miscreant
• caitiff
• crook
• evildoer
• no-good
• loser
• hound
• fiend
• rapscallion
• nazi
• baddie
• heavy
• blackguard
• perpetrator
• meanie
• snake
• felon
• sinner
• trespasser
• culprit
• lawbreaker
• villainess
• cad
• transgressor
• outlaw
• wrongdoer
• heel
• ruffian
• viper
• desperado
• malefactor
• con
• racketeer
• perp
• convict
• hoodlum
• serpent
• jailbird
• rough
• lowlife
• hooligan
• cutthroat
• goon
• tough
• bravo
• rowdy
• gunman
• stinker
• trash
• ne'er-do-well

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• innocent
• hero
• angel
• saint

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of scoundrel

And the surviving cartel scoundrels take the parting shot by kidnapping beloved Carter, putting a hood on him and taking the boy off. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 3 July 2026

But that just reinforces Samuel Johnson’s adage that patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026

Speaking of that last vampire subject, this is also a great episode for Jacob Anderson in the B-plot, as Louis plays the reluctant avenger doing that loveable scoundrel Raglan James’s dirty work in two stand-out action sequences. — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 22 June 2026

Political leaders who encourage or tolerate such scoundrels should be driven from office. — Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 23 Feb. 2026