saboteur

noun

sab·​o·​teur ˌsa-bə-ˈtər How to pronounce saboteur (audio)
-ˈtu̇r, 
-ˈtyu̇r
Synonyms of saboteurnext
: one that practices sabotage

Examples of saboteur in a Sentence

The car's tires were slashed by saboteurs.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Team players can win more often than saboteurs. — Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 7 Mar. 2026 Keep your paltry pocket lighters sheathed, would-be saboteurs. — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 21 Apr. 2026 That is why ageism is a silent saboteur in our organizations. — Dan Pontefract, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2026 All fun and games, at least until the saboteurs start getting arrested. — Alexandra Petri, The Atlantic, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for saboteur

Word History

Etymology

French, from saboter

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of saboteur was in 1921

Rhymes for saboteur

See All Rhymes for saboteur

Browse Nearby Words

sabotage
saboteur
sabotier
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Saboteur.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saboteur. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

saboteur

noun
sab·​o·​teur ˌsab-ə-ˈtər How to pronounce saboteur (audio)
-ˈt(y)u̇(ə)r
: a person who performs sabotage

More from Merriam-Webster on saboteur

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for saboteur

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