as in defendant
law
someone who brings a legal action against another person or against whom a legal action is brought
Both litigants chose to represent themselves in court.
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Recent Examples of litigant
In prioritizing splashy lawsuit announcements over long-term success in court, the Justice Department is adopting the strategy of other right-wing litigants.
—
Quinta Jurecic,
The Atlantic,
21 May 2026
While that move failed, the subsequent legal action—which included star quarterbacks Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Drew Brees as litigants—led to a federal judge ordering owners to end the lockout.
—
Tracy Grant,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
19 May 2026
Gonzalez Rogers heaped praise on the jurors during the trial and alluded to the contrast between them and the billionaire witnesses and litigants.
—
David Ingram,
NBC news,
15 May 2026
On one side is challenger Holly Cook, who has filed for bankruptcy twice, been held in contempt of court on nine counts, been pursued by multiple collections agencies and once was labeled a vexatious litigant, court records showed.
—
Idaho Statesman,
13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for litigant
Quinta Jurecic,
The Atlantic,
21 May 2026
While that move failed, the subsequent legal action—which included star quarterbacks Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Drew Brees as litigants—led to a federal judge ordering owners to end the lockout.
—
Tracy Grant,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
19 May 2026
Gonzalez Rogers heaped praise on the jurors during the trial and alluded to the contrast between them and the billionaire witnesses and litigants.
—
David Ingram,
NBC news,
15 May 2026
On one side is challenger Holly Cook, who has filed for bankruptcy twice, been held in contempt of court on nine counts, been pursued by multiple collections agencies and once was labeled a vexatious litigant, court records showed.
—
Idaho Statesman,
13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for litigant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for litigant
Noun
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His girlfriend, Syanna Ruiz, held their child in court, demanding the defendants remain behind bars.
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In court documents, O’Hara alleged the defendants violated his First and Fourth Amendment rights, accusing them of unlawfully restricting free speech and initiating an unlawful seizure while using excessive force.
Noun
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In movies, friendships end with a big blowup after there has been a significant betrayal by one party.
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Another climber, who was not part of the woman's party, happened to be nearby and was able to help the woman, remaining with her group until responders arrived, per the Forest Service.
Noun
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Former Republican Secretary of State and election law attorney Scott Gessler, who represented plaintiffs in court, says Democrats tried to circumvent the constitution by bringing two separate but interdependent measures.
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For example, if a water heater explodes in a house and the plaintiff tries to go up the ownership chain to reach the ultimate beneficial owners, that will be an inside liability.
Cite this Entry
“Litigant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/litigant. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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