What is another word for defendant
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defendant
/ˈdɛfəndənt/
A person, company, or entity sued or accused in a court of law.
Antonyms of defendant
Nouns
Strongest matches:
- plaintiff
- accuser
- prosecutor
Weak matches:
- complainant
- claimant
Adjectives
Strongest matches:
- accusing
- prosecuting
Weak matches:
- plaintive
Synonyms
accused, respondent, litigant, suspect, appellant, prisoner, detainee, indictee, accused person
Usage examples:
1. The defendant sat nervously as the jury deliberated on the verdict.
2. During the trial, the defendant maintained their innocence, claiming they were not at the scene of the crime.
3. The lawyer argued that the evidence against the defendant was circumstantial and not conclusive.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a common antonym for 'defendant' in a legal context?
A common antonym for 'defendant' in a legal context is 'plaintiff.' While the defendant is the party accused of a wrongdoing or sued in a court of law, the plaintiff is the one who initiates the lawsuit against the defendant.
Can 'prosecutor' be considered an antonym of 'defendant'?
Yes, 'prosecutor' can be considered an antonym of 'defendant,' especially in criminal cases. The prosecutor is the legal representative who charges and tries to prove the defendant's guilt, while the defendant is the individual accused of the crime.
Is there an antonym for 'defendant' that refers to a neutral party in legal proceedings?
No, in the context of legal proceedings, parties are generally classified as either bringing the case (plaintiffs or prosecutors) or defending against it (defendants). Neutral parties, such as judges or jurors, do not serve as antonyms to 'defendant' because their roles do not represent an opposing stance but rather an adjudicating or evaluating one.
In non-legal contexts, what word can be used as an antonym for 'defendant'?
In non-legal contexts, where 'defendant' might be used metaphorically to mean someone defending an idea or position, an antonym could be 'critic' or 'opponent.' These terms reflect the role of an individual or group challenging or arguing against the ideas or positions being defended.