Synonyms for

Thugs

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

Definition

Thugs are violent criminals who rob and attack people.

Synonyms & similar words

punk thug goon toughie hood tough hoodlum strongarmer bandits criminals gangsters hoodlums hooligans mobsters outlaws ruffians thieves vandals marauders brigands pirates assailants attackers muggers robbers goons toughs

Synonyms by register

Formal

ruffians hooligans miscreants villains

Informal

goons thugs hoodlums brutes louts

Literary

knaves scoundrels rascals

Antonyms

heroes saints angels philanthropists benefactors protectors

Common collocations

  • violent thugs
  • armed thugs
  • local thugs
  • hired thugs
  • street thugs
  • thugs attacked
  • thugs were arrested

Word family

noun thug
adjective thuggish

Usage note

The word 'thug' carries a strong negative connotation, implying brutality and lawlessness. It is generally used informally or in news reporting to describe violent criminals.

Example sentences

  1. The thugs stole my backpack on the way home from school.
  2. The police arrested the thugs who were responsible for the robbery.
  3. I felt scared when I saw the group of thugs at the park.
  4. The store owner was beaten up by the thugs who tried to rob his store.
  5. The thugs were sentenced to several years in prison for their crimes.

Quotes

  • We don't want no thugs in our house. We want a happy family.
  • I always have a problem with people who thug their Bible.
  • I'm not a thug, I'm not a gangster, and I'm not a criminal. I'm an artist.

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