Synonyms for

Defendant

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

Definition

A person or group against whom a legal action is brought, typically a criminal defendant.

Synonyms & similar words

plaintiff suspect accused suspect offender culprit perpetrator lawbreaker delinquent criminal respondent litigant plaintiff opponent adversary enemy foe rival competitor contender challenger defier

Synonyms by register

Formal

accused respondent party suspect

Informal

guy on trial the accused party the one being sued

Literary

culprit offender

Antonyms

plaintiff prosecutor claimant accuser litigant complainant

Common collocations

  • the defendant pleaded
  • the defendant argued
  • the defendant's rights
  • the defendant was found
  • the defendant appealed
  • the defendant's attorney
  • the defendant's case

Word family

noun defendant
verb defend
adjective defensive
adverb defensively

Usage note

In legal contexts, 'defendant' refers to the party against whom a claim or charge is brought. It is often contrasted with 'plaintiff' or 'prosecutor'.

Example sentences

  1. The defendant was found guilty of the crime.
  2. The judge instructed the jury to consider the evidence against the defendant.
  3. The defendant's lawyer argued that there was not enough evidence to convict him.
  4. The defendant was sentenced to ten years in prison.
  5. The defendant was released on bail while awaiting trial.

Quotes

  • It is better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer. - William Blackstone
  • The defendant wants to hide the truth because he's generally guilty. The defense attorney's job is to make sure the jury does not arrive at that truth. - Alan Dershowitz
  • The right of the defendant to a fair trial is absolute. - Harry A. Blackmun

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