Synonyms for

Attacker

Verb / ʌˈtækɜ: / Another word for attacker — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Someone who attacks another person or thing.

Synonyms & similar words

assaulter assailant aggressor assailant aggressor assaulter invader raider intruder marauder offender perpetrator combatant belligerent fighter enemy foe opponent adversary opposer challenger provoker provocateur

Synonyms by register

Formal

assailant aggressor invader perpetrator

Informal

bad guy mugger bully hooligan

Literary

foe adversary marauder

Antonyms

defender protector guardian resister opponent rival

Common collocations

  • armed attacker
  • unidentified attacker
  • lone attacker
  • surprise attacker
  • direct attacker
  • foreign attacker
  • attacked by an attacker

Word family

noun attacker
verb attack
adjective attacking

Usage note

While 'attacker' can refer to anyone who initiates an attack, it often carries a negative connotation, implying malicious intent. In cybersecurity, it specifically refers to someone attempting unauthorized access.

Example sentences

  1. The attacker stole the woman's purse and ran away.
  2. The football team's best player was the attacker because he scored the most goals.
  3. The police caught the attacker and put him in jail.
  4. The attacker was a shark and it scared the swimmer.
  5. The army's primary mission was to defend their country from attackers.

Quotes

  • "The sword is the weapon of the attacker, and the shield is the weapon of the defender." - Sun Tzu
  • "The best defense is a good offense, and the best offense is the one that destroys the attacker." - Bruce Schneier
  • "In war, the attacker must vanquish, the defender need only survive." - Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words