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mercenary

[mur-suh-ner-ee] / ˈmɜr səˌnɛr i /


NOUN
person who fights, kills for money
Synonyms


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.

Russia's mercenary Wagner Group, which had been fighting with Malian forces against jihadists since 2021, ended its involvement in June 2025.

From Barron's • Apr. 25, 2026

Later it was held by the Russian mercenary group Wagner.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Working as a mercenary or fighting on behalf of another government is also illegal in South Africa, unless the government authorises it.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

A 26-year-old basketball mercenary at his fifth school, Baker-Mazara is the average age of an NBA player.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 7, 2026

I may be mercenary, but I hate poverty, and don’t mean to bear it a minute longer than I can help.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott




Vocabulary lists containing mercenary


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