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.

"Not because I'm lying about anything, but because I'm a badass," she added.

From BBC • Jan. 14, 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

He’s useless at everything, but secretly he’s a badass superhero.

From "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah