archenemy

noun

arch·​en·​e·​my (ˌ)ärch-ˈe-nə-mē How to pronounce archenemy (audio)
plural archenemies
Synonyms of archenemynext
: a principal enemy

Examples of archenemy in a Sentence

The two politicians were archenemies. The country went to war with its archenemy.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Nearly two centuries later, in the throes of the Cold War, CDC scientists teamed up with their counterparts from America’s archenemy, the Soviet Union, to wipe smallpox from the planet. Patricia Callahan, ProPublica, 19 Mar. 2026 Let’s hope the Islamic Republic, feeling cornered and fighting for its own survival, doesn’t resort to the very same tactics its once archenemy Saddam used. Javier Blas, Twin Cities, 9 Mar. 2026 Instead of a male archenemy, Kyle is gender-flipped into a competitive law enforcement agent named Kayla Craig, who is played by Alona Tal. Demetrius Patterson, HollywoodReporter, 25 Feb. 2026 The cookies are inspired by Marvel villain Doctor Doom, an archenemy of the Fantastic Four. Rin Velasco, The Providence Journal, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for archenemy

Word History

First Known Use

1550, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of archenemy was in 1550

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Cite this Entry

“Archenemy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/archenemy. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

archenemy

noun
arch·​en·​e·​my (ˈ)ärch-ˈen-ə-mē How to pronounce archenemy (audio)
: a principal enemy

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