malefactor vs thug

Other hyponyms of malefactor include accessary, accessory, arsonist, firebug, incendiary, blackmailer, extortioner, extortionist, bootlegger, moonshiner, briber, suborner, coconspirator, conspirator, machinator, plotter, desperado, desperate criminal, fugitive, fugitive from justice, gangster, mobster, highbinder, highjacker, hijacker, goon, hood, hoodlum, punk, strong-armer, tough, toughie, gaolbird, jail bird, jailbird, abductor, kidnaper, kidnapper, snatcher, mafioso, gangster's moll, gun moll, moll, liquidator, manslayer, murderer, parolee, probationer, drug dealer, drug peddler, drug trafficker, peddler, pusher, racketeer, raper, rapist, habitual criminal, recidivist, repeater, scofflaw, contrabandist, moon-curser, moon curser, runner, smuggler, stealer, thief, traitor, treasonist, law offender, lawbreaker, violator.