Synonyms for

Murderers

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

Definition

A person who commits murder, especially as a profession

Synonyms & similar words

liquidator murderer manslayer killers assassins homicides slayers executors exterminators hitmen liquidators butchers eliminators eradicators dispatchers massacres perpetrators destroyers annihilators slaughterers terminators victims

Synonyms by register

Formal

homicides killers assassins

Informal

killers hitmen slayers

Literary

slayers reapers executioners

Antonyms

protector savior rescuer defender guardian benefactor

Common collocations

  • serial murderers
  • mass murderers
  • accidental murderers
  • professional murderers
  • convicted murderers
  • known murderers
  • murderers of children

Word family

noun murder
verb murder
adjective murderous

Usage note

While 'murderers' is the plural of 'murderer', it is sometimes used informally to refer to people who have committed a serious crime, even if it wasn't technically murder.

Example sentences

  1. The murderers were sentenced to life in prison for their crimes.
  2. The detectives worked tirelessly to catch the murderers.
  3. The community was shocked when they learned that one of their own was a murderer.
  4. The murderer showed no remorse for his actions in court.
  5. The family of the victim hoped that the murderers would receive the death penalty.

Quotes

  • 'Murderers are not monsters, they're men. And that's the most frightening thing about them.' - Alice Sebold
  • 'Murderers are almost never who you expect them to be. They're so ordinary it's almost disappointing.' - Tana French
  • 'Murderers are not born, they are made. They become by degrees, against their will, to do things which horrify them.' - George Orwell

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