blackguard
16 synonyms for blackguard, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A dishonest or thoroughly unpleasant person; a scoundrel.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A dishonest or thoroughly unpleasant person; a scoundrel.
“Only a blackguard would abandon his own family like that.”
Etymology
From black and guard, originally referring to the lowest kitchen servants of a great house, who were often stained with soot and grime from their work.
Full origin of blackguard →Frequently asked questions
What does “blackguard” mean?
The word “blackguard” means a dishonest or thoroughly unpleasant person; a scoundrel. In plain terms, an old-fashioned word for a scoundrel or villain.
How do you pronounce “blackguard”?
“Blackguard” is pronounced BLA-guhd (/ˈblæɡɚd/ in IPA).
How do you use “blackguard” in a sentence?
Here is “blackguard” used in a sentence: “Only a blackguard would abandon his own family like that.”
What part of speech is “blackguard”?
Depending on how it is used, “blackguard” can be a noun and a verb.
How many meanings does “blackguard” have?
“Blackguard” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a dishonest or thoroughly unpleasant person; a scoundrel.
