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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.

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

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

From Washington Post • Mar. 31, 2023

Like others who challenged Communist Party policy, he was largely erased from the official record, and he was sometimes painted as a wrongdoer for having spoken out.

From New York Times • Mar. 14, 2023

The perjured witnesses remain unpunished, and the wrongdoer enjoys the benefit of his robbery.

From For the Right by Franzos, Karl Emil

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