Synonyms for

Murdered

Verb / ˈmɜ:dɜ:d / Another word for murdered — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To kill someone unlawfully and with intention.

Synonyms & similar words

off dispatch mutilate mangle bumpoff slay polishoff murder remove hit kill assassinate execute slay butcher eliminate exterminate terminate annihilate liquidate dispatch erase extinguish obliterate waste neutralize destroy

Synonyms by register

Formal

assassinated executed slaughtered butchered

Informal

iced whacked offed rubbed out

Literary

slain done to death

Antonyms

saved protected rescued preserved defended shielded

Common collocations

  • brutally murdered
  • was murdered
  • murdered in cold blood
  • murdered by
  • found murdered
  • deliberately murdered
  • murdered his wife

Word family

noun murder
verb murder
adjective murderous
adverb murderously

Usage note

Murdered specifically refers to the unlawful killing of one human being by another. It is a strong and serious term with negative connotations.

Example sentences

  1. The detective solved the case after investigating who murdered the victim.
  2. She watched a scary movie where someone was murdered.
  3. The killer was found guilty of murdering his wife.
  4. The news reported on a man who was murdered in his home.
  5. The suspect was caught and charged with murdering his boss.

Quotes

  • “I have never killed anyone, but I have read some obituary notices with great satisfaction.” - Clarence Darrow
  • “Murder is not about lust and it's not about violence. It's about possession.” - Chuck Palahniuk
  • “I think of murder being very much like a chess game.” - Agatha Christie

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