1
as in criminal
a person who commits moral wrongs
she regards anyone who would cause the breakup of a family as a malefactor of the worst sort
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in offender
a person who has committed a crime
the victim was able to give a clear description of the malefactor to the police
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of malefactor
In 2011, ahead of his reelection campaign, Barack Obama traveled to Osawatomie, Kan., to attack the malefactors of great wealth.
—
Matthew Continetti, National Review, 19 Oct. 2024
Maybe the origin of Downey's Doom won't involve torture or an evil malefactor specifically out to ruin his life.
—Christian Holub, EW.com, 16 Sep. 2024
Thriller about a reclusive middleman for potential whistleblowers who tries to settle things with corporate malefactors.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 6 Sep. 2024
Progressives may struggle even more with mercy toward moneyed malefactors.
—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 22 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for malefactor 
Matthew Continetti, National Review, 19 Oct. 2024
Maybe the origin of Downey's Doom won't involve torture or an evil malefactor specifically out to ruin his life.
—Christian Holub, EW.com, 16 Sep. 2024
Thriller about a reclusive middleman for potential whistleblowers who tries to settle things with corporate malefactors.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 6 Sep. 2024
Progressives may struggle even more with mercy toward moneyed malefactors.
—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 22 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for malefactor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for malefactor
Noun
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This legislation is a common-sense solution to protect property owners, hold criminals accountable and restore faith in the rule of law.—
Ryan Nawrocki,
Baltimore Sun,
19 Jan. 2025
-
The only difference is that instead of Cuban casinos, today's criminals use mixing services and cross-chain bridges.—
Boaz Sobrado,
Forbes,
19 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The same could be claimed in any case where a whistleblower reveals wrongdoing, knowing that this might have consequences for the wrongdoers.—
The Editors,
National Review,
16 Jan. 2025
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Telling friends or relatives about the fresh face can also help, as varying perspectives can root out potential wrongdoers, according to the agency.—
Tom Rogers,
Newsweek,
26 Dec. 2024
Noun
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His affinity for wrestling villains, or heels, adds another layer to his potential return.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
25 Jan. 2025
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His villains include both Presidents Bush; his heroes stretch back to William McKinley but include Richard Nixon, who raised tariffs in response to low-cost manufacturing from Asia, and, Lighthizer insists, Ronald Reagan.—
Benjamin Wallace-Wells,
The New Yorker,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
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To the very end, King—an imperfect man and sinner, as all Christians are—did what he was called to do: preach and teach Jesus Christ's radical message of love.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
17 Jan. 2025
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The sacrament of Confession in Catholicism is one way to get sins pardoned, releasing the sinner from eternal punishment.—
Cecilia Rodriguez,
Forbes,
27 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near malefactor
Cite this Entry
“Malefactor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malefactor. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.
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