Privateers were essentially freelance naval raiders who operated during times of war, seizing enemy ships and cargo to earn rewards from their home country. Many synonyms for privateers exist, some of which include buccaneers, corsairs, raiders, and freebooters. Buccaneers were pirates who operated in the Caribbean and were known for their brutal tactics. Corsairs were similar to privateers but were based in the Mediterranean. Raiders were maritime outlaws who attacked ships for their personal gain. Freebooters were sailors who were not affiliated with any government or nation but still committed acts of piracy. These terms all describe independent maritime actors who sought to profit from robbing enemy ships during times of war.