Cutthroat — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun adjective /ˈkət-ˌthrōt/ cut·throat

Meaning & Definition of Cutthroat

Cutthroat (noun)

  1. killer, murderer
  2. a cruel unprincipled person

Cutthroat (adjective)

  1. murderous, cruel
  2. marked by unprincipled practices, ruthless
  3. characterized by each player playing independently rather than having a permanent partner —used especially of partnership games adapted for three players

Cutthroat (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. not guided by or showing a concern for what is right

    "cutthroat business practices intended to drive competitors out of business"

    similar: immoral, Machiavellian, unconscionable, unethical, unprincipled, unscrupulous
    related: merciless, pitiless, remorseless, ruthless, crooked, deceitful, dishonest, jackleg, knavish, corrupt, debased, debauched, decadent, degenerate, degraded, demoralized, depraved, dissipated, libertine, licentious, profligate, cheapjack, dog-eat-dog, opportunistic, calculating, scheming, sharp
    opposite: ethical, moral, principled, scrupulous
    near: conscientious, good, honorable, just, noble, righteous, virtuous

Cutthroat (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a person who kills another person

    "while traveling the ancient Silk Road, traders were constant prey to cutthroats and thieves"

    similar: assassin, homicide, killer, manslayer, murderer
    related: bravo, hit man, torpedo, triggerman, butcher, executioner, massacrer, slaughterer, slayer, murderess

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Cutthroat

The most common words with a similar meaning to Cutthroat:

immoral, Machiavellian, unconscionable, unethical, unprincipled, unscrupulous, assassin, homicide, killer, manslayer, murderer

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Cutthroat

Words with the opposite meaning of Cutthroat:

ethical, moral, principled, scrupulous

Related Words for Cutthroat

merciless, pitiless, remorseless, ruthless, crooked, deceitful, dishonest, jackleg, knavish, corrupt, debased, debauched, decadent, degenerate, degraded, demoralized, depraved, dissipated, libertine, licentious, profligate, cheapjack, dog-eat-dog, opportunistic, calculating, scheming, sharp, bravo, hit man, torpedo

Near Antonyms of Cutthroat

conscientious, good, honorable, just, noble, righteous, virtuous

Origin & Etymology of Cutthroat

First known use: 1535

Words & Phrases Containing Cutthroat

cutthroat trout, cutthroat contract

Frequently Asked Questions about Cutthroat

What does "Cutthroat" mean?

"Cutthroat" means killer, murderer. As an a noun and an adjective, it is defined as: killer, murderer. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Cutthroat"?

Other words for "Cutthroat" include immoral, Machiavellian, unconscionable, unethical, unprincipled, unscrupulous, assassin and homicide. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Cutthroat" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Cutthroat"?

There are 48 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Cutthroat". Common alternatives include immoral, Machiavellian, unconscionable, unethical, unprincipled, unscrupulous, assassin, homicide, killer and manslayer.

What is the opposite of "Cutthroat"?

Antonyms of "Cutthroat" include ethical, moral, principled and scrupulous. Near antonyms include conscientious, good, honorable and just.

How do you use "Cutthroat" in a sentence?

Examples of "Cutthroat" in a sentence: "cutthroat business practices intended to drive competitors out of business"; "while traveling the ancient Silk Road, traders were constant prey to cutthroats and thieves".

Is "Cutthroat" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Cutthroat" can be used as a noun and an adjective, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Cutthroat"?

"Cutthroat" is pronounced /ˈkət-ˌthrōt/ and divided into syllables as cut·throat.

What is the origin of the word "Cutthroat"?

First known use: 1535.