archenemy

noun

arch·​en·​e·​my (ˌ)ärch-ˈe-nə-mē 

plural archenemies

: 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

Jared Leto stars as He-Man’s archenemy, Skeletor. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 5 June 2026

But its primary archenemy is Israel and Jews, who are frequently targeted by its proxies. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 6 Apr. 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

The cookies are inspired by Marvel villain Doctor Doom, an archenemy of the Fantastic Four. — Rin Velasco, The Providence Journal, 20 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1550, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for archenemy

• enemy

Kids Definition

archenemy

noun

arch·​en·​e·​my (ˈ)ärch-ˈen-ə-mē 

: a principal enemy