Synonyms for abettor
- noun
- American English
Most common
Definitions
- n. 1
One that abets an offender; one that incites, instigates, or encourages.
- n. 2
A supporter or advocate.
Related words
- Other spellings
- abetter UK
Forms
- Plural
- abettors → confederates, accessories, accomplices, aids…
Choose the right word
In law, an abettor (the general legal spelling) is always present, either actively or constructively, at the commission of the crime; an accessory never. If present, though only to stand outside and keep watch against surprise, one is an abettor, and not an accessory.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- aid When I need help, an angel always comes to my aid.
- confederate Too many Confederate soldiers had fallen in battle.
- accessory Tom wears glasses purely as a fashion accessory.
- accomplice Fadil didn't want to be an accomplice to the murder.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| abettor | steady | |
| aid | falling | |
| confederate | steady | |
| accessory | falling | |
| accomplice | steady |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 3 letters
- aid1
- 4 letters
- ally2
- 6 letters
- helper2
- 7 letters
- enabler4
- 8 letters
- advocate3, promoter3
- 9 letters
- assistant3, associate4, supporter3, accessory4, coadjutor
- 10 letters
- accomplice3, encourager
- 11 letters
- confederate4
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (ally2 = 2 syllables).