VIGILANTE Synonyms: 13 Similar and Opposite Words

vigilante

noun

ˌvi-jə-ˈlan-tē

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

Relevance

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 In late 1984, the 37-year-old Manhattan resident shot four Black teenagers on a subway train after one had asked him for $5, and instead of being treated as a murderous racist, Goetz was hailed by the tabloid press as a vigilante hero. —

The Week Us, TheWeek, 4 Feb. 2026 Hopefully the vigilante will win! —

Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026 In its sophomore season, Cross is in pursuit of a ruthless vigilante who is hunting down corrupt billionaire magnates. —

Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 1 Feb. 2026 It was originally designed to target vigilante groups such as the Ku Klux Klan. —

Josh Funk, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vigilante

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigilante

Noun

Craig Robinson is Reggie’s nemesis, as the aforementioned Jerry Basmati, a rival player (and cynical Christian), who inherited the post-gridiron media career Reggie imagined for himself.

— Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
There are fun villains; Reggie’s nemesis is a sneakily vicious NFL alum (Craig Robinson) with the splendid name Jerry Basmati.

— Judy Berman, Time, 20 Feb. 2026