adversarial
adjective
ad·ver·sar·i·al
ˌad-vər-ˈser-ē-əl 
ˌad-və-,
-ˈse-rē-
: involving two people or two sides who oppose each other : of, relating to, or characteristic of an adversary or adversary procedures (see adversary entry 2 sense 2)
an adversarial relationship
an adversarial system of justice with prosecution and defense opposing each other
Examples of adversarial in a Sentence
an adversarial system of justice with prosecution and defense opposing each other
the relationship between the president and the congress should not be adversarial if anything is to get done
Recent Examples on the Web
Posobiec’s approach to politics is much more adversarial.
—
Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 22 Oct. 2025
Kate’s always going to see their relationship as adversarial, but the American and British agents’ rivalry and ongoing bit about two meters being equivalent to six feet is a hoot.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025
In the years since, the high court has reiterated its belief that an adversarial press is essential to democracy.
—Amy Kristin Sanders, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2025
The move, however, has drawn criticism from legal experts and some members of Congress, who warn it could blur the line between law enforcement and war — and risk deeper confrontation with adversarial regimes in the hemisphere.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for adversarial
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Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 22 Oct. 2025
Kate’s always going to see their relationship as adversarial, but the American and British agents’ rivalry and ongoing bit about two meters being equivalent to six feet is a hoot.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025
In the years since, the high court has reiterated its belief that an adversarial press is essential to democracy.
—Amy Kristin Sanders, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2025
The move, however, has drawn criticism from legal experts and some members of Congress, who warn it could blur the line between law enforcement and war — and risk deeper confrontation with adversarial regimes in the hemisphere.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for adversarial
Cite this Entry
“Adversarial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adversarial. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
adversarial
adjective
ad·ver·sar·i·al
ˌad-vər-ˈser-ē-əl
: of, relating to, or characteristic of an adversary or adversary procedures : adversary
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