Synonyms and Antonyms of ruffian
- a gang of ruffians preying upon people who ventured into that section of town
assassin, bandit, bravo, brigand, criminal, crook, desperado, felon, gunman, highwayman, lawbreaker, mafioso, malefactor, offender, outlaw, perp, perpetrator, pirate
pickpocket, racketeer, robber, swindler, thief, vandal
juvenile delinquent, tearaway [British]