wrongdoer

noun

wrong·​do·​er ˈrȯŋ-ˌdü-ər How to pronounce wrongdoer (audio)
Synonyms of wrongdoernext
: one that does wrong
especially : one who transgresses moral laws

Synonyms of wrongdoer

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Examples of wrongdoer in a Sentence

anticorruption crusaders are going after wrongdoers at every level of the nation's government
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.
And when thunderclaps rattled their chests, the Chinese felt a deity punishing wrongdoers. — Quanta Magazine, 6 May 2026 He’s talked tough in news conferences about prosecuting child predators, drug traffickers and assorted wrongdoers. — Dan Sullivan, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026 Greylord was a watershed moment in its use of eavesdropping devices and a mole to obtain evidence instead of relying on wrongdoers to become government informants. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2026 The better approach would focus on reasonableness and negligence, where wrongdoers face accountability. — Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for wrongdoer

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wrongdoer was in the 15th century

Rhymes for wrongdoer

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Browse Nearby Words

wrong'un
wrongdoer
wrongdoing
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

wrongdoer

noun
wrong·​do·​er ˈrȯŋ-ˈdü-ər How to pronounce wrongdoer (audio)
: a person who does wrong and especially moral wrong
wrongdoing
-ˈdü-iŋ
noun

Legal Definition

wrongdoer

noun
wrong·​do·​er ˈrȯŋ-ˌdü-ər How to pronounce wrongdoer (audio)
: one (as a criminal or tortfeasor) who does wrong

More from Merriam-Webster on wrongdoer

Nglish: Translation of wrongdoer for Spanish Speakers

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