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delinquent Synonyms

Another word for delinquent

Choosing another word for delinquent depends on context, so the 24 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 4 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

A person, especially a young person, who regularly commits minor crimes or acts of vandalism and antisocial behavior.

Usage Example

"The judge ordered the juvenile offender to complete fifty hours of supervised community service."

Strongest
offender
Strong
lawbreaker
wrongdoer
hooligan
miscreant
troublemaker
malefactor
culprit

• adjective (Context 2)

Showing or characterized by a tendency to commit crime, particularly minor crime (typically used of a young person).

Usage Example

"The community center launched an after-school mentorship program aimed at reforming wayward youths."

Strong
wayward
lawless
offending
errant
criminal
unruly
antisocial

• adjective (Context 3)

Failing in one's duty, obligation, or legal responsibility; in arrears with a financial payment.

Usage Example

"The municipal tax office sent final notices to several property owners whose accounts had become overdue."

Strongest
overdue
defaulting
Strong
derelict
remiss
negligent
unpaid
lax

• noun (Context 4)

A person who fails to perform an obligation or pay a debt on time.

Usage Example

"The credit agency compiled a list of tax delinquents who owed substantial sums to the state."

Strongest
defaulter
Strong
debtor

Opposites of delinquent

The opposite of delinquent shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

law-abiding
paid-up
dutiful
punctual
well-behaved
conscientious
obedient
responsible
See all opposites of delinquent

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Delinquent. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/delinquent
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