Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

wrongdoer

American  
[rawng-doo-er, -doo-, rong-] / ˈrɔŋˌdu ər, -ˈdu-, ˈrɒŋ- /

noun

  1. a person who does wrong, especially a sinner or transgressor.

    Synonyms:
    offender, culprit, evildoer

wrongdoer British  
/ ˈrɒŋˌduːə /

noun

  1. a person who acts immorally or illegally

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of wrongdoer

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at wrong, doer

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.

See Examples For:

But that same right to sue doesn’t apply when the alleged wrongdoer is an employee of the federal government.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 3, 2026

Lance Bombardier Davis explained that Gunner Beck "didn't want to be seen as the wrongdoer", and feared she would receive "backlash" if he lost his job as a result.

From BBC ● Feb. 11, 2025

The whole point of disgorging profits is that you’re taking the ill-gotten gains away from the wrongdoer.

From Slate ● Feb. 26, 2024

But what about voting not for an accused wrongdoer but a convicted one?

From Washington Post ● Mar. 31, 2023

It was one which Holtspur could perform with all the ardour of a zealous enthusiasm—springing from his natural indignation against this gigantic wrongdoer.

From The White Gauntlet by Mayne Reid

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember new words for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com