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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
-
Every day Americans are safer because of the violent criminals that President Trump's administration is removing from our communities.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
31 Jan. 2025
-
Putting him in a holding cell with a violent criminal is worse.—
Natalie Demaree,
Miami Herald,
30 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
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
-
His affinity for wrestling villains, or heels, adds another layer to his potential return.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
25 Jan. 2025
-
Like Adeyemi/Emilia Pérez, The Brutalist could become the villain of the whole race if someone doesn’t intervene to stop it.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
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 8 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share