badass

[bad-as] / ˈbædˌæs /

NOUN

(vulgar) distinctively tough person

Synonyms

STRONG

agitator rebel

WEAK

demagogue dissident fighter frondeur renegade sparkplug

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.

In short, Jarrell-Searcy was a bit of a badass.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

The point being that I should not expect to be a badass street officer on Day 1.

From Slate • Jan. 13, 2026

“Make a movie where he is an absolute badass but also has some heart.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 9, 2025

“And I do think that maybe some people, especially young people, think ‘she’s kinda badass.’

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2025

And not in the good way; not in the badass way!

From "I'll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson