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Definitions

perpetrator

[pur-pi-trey-ter] / ˈpɜr pɪˌtreɪ tər /
NOUN
manslayer
Synonyms
STRONG
assassin butcher cut-throat enforcer executioner killer murderess slaughterer slayer triggerman
WEAK
hit person manslaughterer massacrer trigger person
NOUN
massacrer
Synonyms
WEAK
assassin butcher criminal cutthroat enforcer executioner hit person hit-and-run homicide killer manslaughterer manslayer murderess slaughterer slayer trigger person triggerman
NOUN
murderer
Synonyms
STRONGEST
assassin executioner
STRONG
butcher cut-throat enforcer killer slaughterer slayer
WEAK
hit person manslaughterer trigger person
NOUN
murderess
Synonyms
STRONG
assassin butcher cut-throat enforcer executioner killer manslayer slaughterer slayer triggerman
WEAK
hit person manslaughterer massacrer trigger person
NOUN
public enemy
Synonyms
WEAK
criminal felon gangster lawbreaker malevolent outlaw public enemy number one racketeer scofflaw universal foe villain
NOUN
slaughterer
Synonyms
STRONG
assassin butcher criminal cutthroat enforcer executioner homicide killer manslayer murderess slayer triggerman
WEAK
hit person hit-and-run manslaughterer massacrer trigger person
NOUN
slayer
Synonyms
STRONG
assassin butcher criminal cutthroat enforcer executioner homicide killer manslayer murderess slaughterer triggerman
WEAK
hit person hit-and-run manslaughterer massacrer trigger person
NOUN
triggerman
Synonyms
STRONG
assassin butcher cut-throat enforcer executioner hatchet man hatchet woman hit man hit woman killer manslayer murderer murderess slaughterer slayer
WEAK
hit person manslaughterer massacrer trigger person
NOUN
wrongdoer
Synonyms
STRONGEST
crook culprit miscreant trespasser violator
STRONG
criminal felon malefactor offender sinner transgressor
Antonyms
STRONG
police
WEAK
law-abiding citizen

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It was recovered two years later in Florence when the perpetrator tried to sell it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

The ministry initially said the perpetrator had fled.

From Barron's • Feb. 23, 2026

In this instance the perpetrator was jailed but Hines did not get her money back.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2026

Authorities are now investigating whether any of the deaths are related or the work of the same perpetrator.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2026

Fortunately, we have the perpetrator in custody and will be able to put him on trial.

From "Insurgent" by Veronica Roth

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.