1
as in vigilante
one who inflicts punishment in return for an injury or offense
Batman is the Joker's main nemesis and always foils his wicked plots
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2
as in punishment
suffering, loss, or hardship imposed in response to a crime or offense
social ostracism was once society's nemesis for those who defied its sexual mores
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in curse
a source of harm or misfortune
irrationality is the nemesis of democracy, for good government depends upon the wisdom of the electorate
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nemesis
The sequel revolves around journalist Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) reuniting with her former nemesis editor Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) to save the fashion magazine.
—
Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
The film also stars Jared Leto as He-Man’s evil nemesis, Skeletor.
—Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
So have their nemeses in the LAPD.
—Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026
The series follows Canadian hockey captain Shane Hollander (played by Hudson Williams), leader and center of the Montreal Metros, and his on-ice nemesis, Russian captain Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storie) of the Boston Raiders.
—Cameron Sperance, Travel + Leisure, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nemesis
Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
The film also stars Jared Leto as He-Man’s evil nemesis, Skeletor.
—Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
So have their nemeses in the LAPD.
—Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026
The series follows Canadian hockey captain Shane Hollander (played by Hudson Williams), leader and center of the Montreal Metros, and his on-ice nemesis, Russian captain Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storie) of the Boston Raiders.
—Cameron Sperance, Travel + Leisure, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nemesis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nemesis
Noun
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Some supporters of the Wide Awakes’ rebirth have expressed hesitance about its aesthetics, especially the optics of torch-wielding vigilantes marching through the streets.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Apr. 2026
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Season 2 followed Cross in pursuit of a ruthless vigilante who is hunting down corrupt billionaire magnates.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In its decision, the court noted that the point of disciplinary action was not punishment, but to protect the public from further misconduct by an attorney and other attorneys.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The jury will decide his punishment.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Baseball has always been a sport that believes in the occult — in juju and curses and superstitions.—
Tim Rohan,
NBC news,
3 May 2026
-
Mike Russo writes that, in breaking their curse, the Wild may have their best shot at a title in franchise history.—
James Mirtle,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
Noun
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But as all the world knows, Edmond Dantès did rise again, transformed from an innocent young sailor into that courtly yet implacable avenger, the Count of Monte Cristo.—
Michael Dirda,
The New York Review of Books,
19 Mar. 2026
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And it was signed, black dahlia avenger.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Or risk the wrath of being on the wrong side.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
7 Apr. 2026
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The immediate object of Uthmeier’s wrath is the Rooney Rule, voluntarily adopted more than two decades ago by the NFL to ensure that minority candidates are interviewed for coaching positions.—
Howard L. Simon,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Sargassum, the stinky, slimy bane of beachgoers worldwide, is forecast to swarm over Florida's beaches this summer, experts say.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
18 Apr. 2026
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Political instability has been a bane, with 32 governments taking office since 1990 and none of them completing a five-year term.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Montgomery has barely been in the big leagues for two months but has already put his name alongside a couple of franchise icons (and another hard-core punisher of baseballs).—
Phil Rogers,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Orlando turned the ball over three times — twice inside the red zone — and there were also untimely penalties and numerous missed tackles as Orlando lost for the second straight game 20-14.—
Chris Hays,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 May 2026
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Any passenger who assaults, threatens, intimidates or interferes with airline crew members can lead to penalties of up to $43,658 per violation, according to the FAA.—
Cindy Von Quednow,
CNN Money,
3 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nemesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nemesis. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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