General synonyms:
* Soldiers of fortune: This is a classic term for mercenaries.
* Hired guns: A more informal term for mercenaries.
* Free lances: A historical term for mercenaries, often used in a romantic or adventurous context.
* Contractors: A more modern term for mercenaries, especially in private military companies.
* Private soldiers: A general term for soldiers who are not part of a national army.
More specific synonyms:
* Condottieri: A term for mercenaries in medieval Italy.
* Söldner: A German word for mercenaries.
* Musketeers: A historical term for mercenary soldiers armed with muskets.
* Legionnaires: A term for mercenaries who served in Roman legions.
* Foreign legionaries: A term for mercenaries who serve in foreign armies.
Other options:
* Armed personnel: A more neutral term that avoids the negative connotations of "mercenaries."
* Private security forces: A term used to describe mercenaries who work in private security.
* Gun for hire: A more colloquial term for a mercenary.
The best word to use will depend on the specific context and the tone you want to convey.