VIGILANTE Synonyms: 13 Similar and Opposite Words

vigilante

noun

ˌvi-jə-ˈlan-tē

Definition of vigilante

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

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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 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 He's viewed by many as a vigilante whose actions against an unfair health care system were justified. — Brian Mann, NPR, 14 Aug. 2026 In major urban centers, persistent joblessness has fueled a resurgence of anti-migrant rhetoric and vigilante violence targeting foreigners from neighboring African states, who are frequently accused of taking jobs and overloading local services. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 12 Aug. 2026 Bands of vigilantes went after the animals with cricket bats or swerved deliberately to run them over, but the toads continued their relentless spread. — Kimon De Greef, Longreads, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vigilante

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigilante

Noun

For a time towards the end of the summer window, there seemed a chance Vardy might go from Wrexham’s one-time nemesis to potential promotion spearhead, only for the 39-year-old to join Burnley.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Every game pitting McVay against friend/mentor/nemesis Shanahan is full of subplots.

— Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of nemesis

Noun

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
Instead, the young, webbed avenger kept limber by performing headstands and flips and cartwheels on the grass.

— Mary Carole McCauley, Baltimore Sun, 20 June 2026

Definition of avenger

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vigilant

vigilante

vigilantes

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“Vigilante.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigilante. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of vigilante

noun

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