What another word for defendant?

Here are some words you could use instead of "defendant," depending on the context:

Formal:

* Accused

* Respondent

* Party (in a legal context)

* Litigant (more general term for anyone involved in a lawsuit)

Informal:

* The accused

* The person on trial

* The person being sued

The best word to use will depend on the specific situation and the tone you want to convey.