When it comes to hired killers, there are several synonyms that can be used in place of "hired assassin." Some of the terms commonly used include hitman, contract killer, professional killer, hired gun, and mercenary. These individuals are typically paid to eliminate a specific target or group of targets, and they may operate in a variety of contexts, from organized crime to government agencies. While these terms all refer to individuals who engage in violence for pay, they can have slightly different connotations depending on the context in which they are used. Regardless of the term used, however, the work of a hired assassin is uniformly illegal and morally questionable.