John Doe

1.1. Unidentified person in legal or official records

A placeholder name used by authorities, courts, hospitals, or other institutions when a man's real identity is unknown or has not yet been established.

Synonyms

• unknown man
• unidentified male
• anonymous person
• unnamed individual

Examples

• The police report listed the unidentified man as John Doe until they could confirm his identity.
• The hospital recorded the patient's information under John Doe while waiting for his family to arrive.
• During the trial, the attorney referred to the unidentified defendant as John Doe.

Related Words

• Jane Doe
• John Smith
• Richard Roe
• pseudonym
• placeholder name
• anonymity

1.2. Fictitious name in legal proceedings

A conventional fictitious name used in legal documents or lawsuits to represent a person whose actual name is unknown, withheld, or temporarily undisclosed.

Synonyms

• fictitious name
• assumed name
• anonymous defendant

Examples

• The lawsuit identified the unknown party as John Doe until his actual identity could be established.
• The attorney used John Doe as a placeholder name in the legal filing.

Related Words

• legal pseudonym
• plaintiff
• defendant
• litigation
• court proceeding

2.1. The average or ordinary person

A figurative expression referring to an ordinary man who represents the general population rather than someone distinguished by wealth, power, or status.

Synonyms

• average Joe
• ordinary man
• common man
• everyman
• man in the street
• little guy

Antonyms

• VIP
• big shot
• bigwig
• important person
• mover and shaker

Examples

• The campaign was designed to appeal to John Doe rather than wealthy investors.
• The documentary explored the everyday struggles of John Doe.
• The policy was intended to benefit the average Joe, not just influential business leaders.

Related Words

• commoner
• ordinary citizen
• working class
• everywoman
• general public