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Synonyms for

Perpetrator

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

Definition

A person who commits a crime or does something wrong.

Synonyms & similar words

culprit culprit offender criminal wrongdoer lawbreaker malefactor delinquent sinner transgressor miscreant evildoer villain scoundrel knave blackguard rascal rogue wretch

Synonyms by register

Formal

offender culprit wrongdoer transgressor

Informal

bad guy troublemaker the one who did it

Literary

agent of evil dark hand

Antonyms

victim innocent blameless nonperpetrator beneficiary acquitted

Common collocations

  • the perpetrator of
  • identify the perpetrator
  • unknown perpetrator
  • sole perpetrator
  • apprehend the perpetrator
  • the main perpetrator
  • a perpetrator of violence

Word family

noun perpetrator
verb perpetrate
adjective perpetrative

Usage note

This word is often used in legal or news contexts to refer to someone who has committed a crime or harmful act. It carries a negative connotation.

Compare "perpetrator" with another word →

Example sentences

  1. The perpetrator of the vandalism was caught on camera.
  2. The police are still searching for the perpetrator of the robbery.
  3. The victim identified the perpetrator in a lineup.
  4. The perpetrator of the fraud scheme was sentenced to prison.
  5. The perpetrator of the hit-and-run accident turned himself in to the police.

Quotes

  • The only way to deal with a perpetrator is to hold them accountable.
  • Justice requires that perpetrators be held responsible for their actions.
  • No one is above the law, including perpetrators of crime.

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