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vigilante

noun

ˌvi-jə-ˈlan-tē How to pronounce vigilante (audio)
Definition of vigilantenext
as in nemesis
one who inflicts punishment in return for an injury or offense the danger of these self-appointed vigilantes is that they sometimes go after innocent people

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 vigilante Besides, though the presence of armed vigilantes helped many in town feel safer, the fact remained that much of Michoacán was still lawless. — Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026 Havelock neither retreats to the closet nor holds out hope for resolution via vigilante justice. — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 Through its own websites, the mysterious group has been portraying itself as vigilantes out to rein in greedy video game developers. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026 Police in their statement did not provide the specifics of where the incident happened to prevent vigilante justice. — Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vigilante
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigilante
  1. nemesis
  2. avenger
  3. punisher
Noun
  • At an artists’ retreat, insecure trans cartoonist Al is caught in a love triangle between his best friend and his creative nemesis—and must win his best friend’s heart by learning to draw his feelings honestly.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers’ coach who doubles as McVay’s friend, mentor and nemesis, outmaneuvered McVay again.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of nemesis
Noun
  • Tresnjak and Melinda Page Hamilton frame Claire Zachanassian as a clear-eyed avenger forcing society to confront capitalism, patriarchy and power, deepening the Playhouse’s emerging sense of company and artistic risk-taking.
    — Jenelle Riley, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 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
Definition of avenger
Noun
  • Montgomery has barely been in the big leagues for two months but has already put his name alongside a couple of franchise icons (and another hard-core punisher of baseballs).
    — Phil Rogers, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Definition of punisher

Browse Nearby Words

vigilant
vigilante
vigilantes
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Cite this Entry

“Vigilante.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigilante. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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