Synonyms for

Pirates

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

Definition

Pirates are people who attack and rob ships at sea.

Synonyms & similar words

hijack commandeer searobber pirate plagiarist searover plagiarizer plagiariser literarypirate highjack pirateship buccaneer buccaneers corsairs privateers freebooters raiders seafarers swashbucklers marauders plunderers robbers outlaws bandits scallywags blackguards

Synonyms by register

Formal

buccaneer corsair privateer

Informal

sea dog scallywag swashbuckler

Literary

freebooter rover

Antonyms

sailor mariner navy merchant fisherman coast guard

Common collocations

  • pirate ship
  • pirate treasure
  • pirate attack
  • pirate flag
  • pirate raid
  • pirate cove
  • pirate captain

Word family

noun pirate
verb pirate
adjective piratical

Usage note

While 'pirate' can refer to historical sea robbers, it is also commonly used informally to describe those who illegally copy or distribute copyrighted material, such as software or movies.

Example sentences

  1. The pirates hoisted the Jolly Roger on their ship.
  2. Captain Hook is a famous pirate in Peter Pan.
  3. The pirates buried their treasure on a deserted island.
  4. The pirates plundered the merchant ship and took all of their gold.
  5. The pirates had a parrot on their shoulder.

Quotes

  • Arrrrr! Shiver me timbers, matey! The pirates be comin'!
  • To err is human, but to arr is pirate.
  • Why did the pirate go on vacation? He needed some arr and arr.

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