Corsairs were pirates who operated in the Mediterranean Sea during the 16th and 17th centuries. They were notorious for their daring raids and plundering of ships. There are several synonyms for the word corsairs, including buccaneers, privateers, and freebooters. Buccaneers were pirates who operated in the Caribbean sea during the 17th and 18th centuries. Privateers were licensed by the government to attack enemy ships during war. Freebooters were a type of pirate who operated in the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean during the 17th and 18th centuries. Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they have slightly different meanings and origins. The one thing they share in common is a reputation for being ruthless and adventurous.