What is another word for thug?

Common synonyms for thug include hood, goon, punk, hoodlum, tough.

What is the opposite of thug?

Antonyms of thug include hero, saint, angel, gentleman, benefactor.

Synonyms for

Thug

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

Definition

A thug is a violent person who commits crimes.

Synonyms & similar words

hood goon punk hoodlum tough toughie strongarmer criminal gangster hoodlum ruffian hooligan bully goon mugger robber thief bandit outlaw vandal delinquent lawbreaker terrorist assassin killer murderer psychopath

Synonyms by register

Formal

ruffian hooligan brigand miscreant

Informal

goon hoodlum punk thugger

Literary

bully bravo knave

Antonyms

hero saint angel gentleman benefactor philanthropist

Common collocations

violent thug
armed thug
street thug
common thug
brutal thug
thug life
thug mentality

Word family

noun thug

adjective thuggish

Usage note

The term 'thug' often carries strong negative connotations, implying a violent and brutish person, typically involved in criminal activity. It is generally considered informal and derogatory.

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