Synonyms for

Villains

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

Definition

Villains are characters in a story or movie who are evil and do bad things.

Synonyms & similar words

baddie villain scoundrel criminals evildoers scoundrels vagabonds rogues ruffians outlaws bandits thieves pirates assassins murderers terrorists vandals hooligans bullies gangsters mafia mobsters

Synonyms by register

Formal

antagonist nefarious individual scoundrel miscreant

Informal

bad guy baddie menace rascal

Literary

fiend wretch knave

Antonyms

hero protagonist champion savior rescuer good guy heroine

Common collocations

  • arch-villain
  • supervillain
  • villains gallery
  • villains lair
  • villains of the story
  • villains and heroes
  • evil villains

Word family

noun villainy
verb villainize
adjective villainous

Usage note

While 'villain' often refers to a fictional antagonist, it can also describe a real person who is wicked or criminal. The term carries a strong negative connotation.

Example sentences

  1. The villains in the story were always causing trouble for the hero.
  2. The police caught the villains and put them in jail.
  3. The villains in the movie were so scary that I had to cover my eyes.
  4. The superhero had to fight the villains to save the city.
  5. The villains were planning to rob the bank.

Quotes

  • Every great hero needs a great villain.
  • The villain is the hero of his own story.
  • The best villains are the ones you love to hate.

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