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Sniper Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sniper

sniper

🇺🇸 /ˈsnaɪpɝ/ · 🇬🇧 /snˈaɪpɐ/

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

military

A skilled military personnel who specializes in shooting accurately from a long distance.

Synonyms

gunman, marksman, sharpshooter.

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Word Description / Examples
sniper

Refers to a highly skilled individual, often in a military or law enforcement context, trained to shoot targets from long distances with precision. It can have both neutral and negative connotations.

  • The sniper positioned himself on the rooftop, waiting for the target.
  • She was known as one of the best snipers in the military.
marksman

Refers to a person skilled in shooting accurately at a target, often in a recreational or competitive shooting context, but it can also apply to military or law enforcement. Usually neutral or positive in connotation.

  • He prided himself on being a marksman in the local shooting club.
  • His marksmanship earned him a position on the special forces team.
sharpshooter

Describes a person skilled in shooting, often used interchangeably with marksman but can sometimes imply a higher level of skill or specialization. It has a neutral or positive connotation.

  • The sheriff was known as the best sharpshooter in town.
  • During the competition, she proved herself to be a true sharpshooter.
gunman

Often used to describe someone who carries and uses a gun, typically in a criminal or violent context. It usually has a negative connotation.

  • The gunman entered the bank, demanding money from the tellers.
  • Several witnesses reported seeing the gunman flee the scene.

Examples of usage

  • The sniper took out the enemy target from 500 meters away.
  • The sniper remained hidden while observing the enemy movements.
Context #2 | Noun

general

A person who shoots at people from a hidden place.

Synonyms

assassin, gunman, hitman.

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Word Description / Examples
sniper

This entry is a repetition and should have the same meaning as the first one listed.

  • The sniper is known for his ability to remain unseen for hours.
  • He earned a reputation as a skilled sniper during his military service.
assassin

Refers to a person hired to kill someone, usually a significant public figure or leader, often for political or ideological reasons. This term carries a sense of premeditated killing.

  • The assassin was sent to eliminate the political leader.
  • Historians have studied the motives behind the assassin's actions.
hitman

Describes a person who is paid to kill specific individuals, usually in the context of organized crime or gang activity. This term also has a negative connotation.

  • The mafia hired a hitman to take care of their enemies.
  • Rumors spread about a hitman being in town for a high-profile job.
gunman

Generally describes a person who uses a gun to commit violent crimes, such as robbery or murder. This term has a negative connotation and is often used in news reports.

  • The gunman entered the bank and demanded money from the tellers.
  • Police are on the lookout for the gunman suspected in the recent shootings.

Examples of usage

  • The sniper was positioned on the rooftop, ready to take the shot.
  • The police were trying to locate the sniper in the crowded area.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Quick facts about “sniper”

Sniper is a 1-syllable noun. It is pronounced /ˈsnaɪpɝ/ in American English and /snˈaɪpɐ/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 2 meanings, 6 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #22,819 among the most common English words.

Origin of 'sniper'

The term 'sniper' originated in the 18th century, derived from the verb 'snipe' which means to shoot at individuals from a concealed position. Snipers have been used in various military operations throughout history, gaining recognition for their precision and strategic importance.

Rhymes

Sniper rhymes with striper, hyper, diaper, viper, wiper, piper, dekuyper and kiper.

See all rhymes →

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,819, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.