What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shyster
Example
The shyster lawyer was disbarred for his unethical behavior. [shyster: noun]
Example
He tried to pull a shyster move by tricking his way into the deal. [shyster: adjective]
swindler
Example
The swindler convinced the elderly couple to invest their life savings in a fake company. [swindler: noun]
Example
She was caught swindling her coworkers out of their bonuses. [swindling: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Swindler is more commonly used than shyster in everyday language. Swindler is a versatile term that can be used in a variety of contexts, while shyster is more narrowly focused on legal malpractice and may not be as widely recognized.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shyster and swindler?
Neither shyster nor swindler are considered formal words and are more commonly used in informal speech or writing.
