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Synonyms for

Offender

Noun / ʌˈfendɜ: / Another word for offender — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a person who breaks the law or does something wrong

Synonyms & similar words

wrongdoer lawbreaker criminal culprit delinquent malefactor miscreant transgressor wrongdoer culpable guilty blameworthy condemnable reprehensible unlawful illegal illicit wrongful felonious criminalized prohibited

Synonyms by register

Formal

perpetrator culprit wrongdoer transgressor

Informal

bad guy troublemaker criminal lawbreaker

Literary

miscreant villain felon

Antonyms

victim innocent blameless law-abiding non-offender lawful

Common collocations

  • repeat offender
  • first-time offender
  • known offender
  • offender registry
  • juvenile offender
  • violent offender
  • offender management
  • offender population

Word family

noun offender
verb offend
adjective offensive

Usage note

Often used in legal or criminal justice contexts. Can carry a strong negative connotation.

Compare "offender" with another word →

Example sentences

  1. The offender was caught stealing from the store.
  2. The judge sentenced the offender to 5 years in prison.
  3. The police are searching for the offender who vandalized the park.
  4. The offender apologized for their actions and promised to make amends.
  5. The victim identified the offender in a police lineup.

Quotes

  • The offender always returns to the scene of the crime.
  • An offender who repents has a chance to make things right.
  • The punishment should fit the offender and the crime.

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