1
: one who has personal enmity for another
Embrace, embrace, my Sons! be foes no more!—
Alexander Pope
Alexander Pope3
: one who opposes on principle
a foe of needless expenditures
a foe of censorship
4
: something prejudicial or injurious
a foe to health
Fraternal Order of Eagles
Examples of foe in a Sentence
Noun
Many considered him a foe of democracy.
Her ability was acknowledged by friend and foe alike.
Recent Examples on the Web
Sean Campbell, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026
When wind or solar energy projects apply for permits at county councils and zoning commissions across the United States, supporters and foes often pack the rooms to testify for or against.
—Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2026
As is typical with the Panthers’ alternate captain, Tkachuk knew the play still wasn’t over, especially not with a foe from the Tampa Bay Lighting.
—Chris Kudialis, Miami Herald, 21 Feb. 2026
After snapping a four-game losing streak, Texas A&M men's basketball is looking to complete a season sweep of an SEC foe.
—Tony Catalina, Austin American Statesman, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for foe
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Noun
Illinois was the third Quadrant 1 opponent and 10th conference foe UCLA has beaten this season with four games left before the Big Ten tournament tips off.
—Sean Campbell, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026
When wind or solar energy projects apply for permits at county councils and zoning commissions across the United States, supporters and foes often pack the rooms to testify for or against.
—Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2026
As is typical with the Panthers’ alternate captain, Tkachuk knew the play still wasn’t over, especially not with a foe from the Tampa Bay Lighting.
—Chris Kudialis, Miami Herald, 21 Feb. 2026
After snapping a four-game losing streak, Texas A&M men's basketball is looking to complete a season sweep of an SEC foe.
—Tony Catalina, Austin American Statesman, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for foe
Cite this Entry
“Foe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foe. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
foe
noun1
: one who hates another
2
: an enemy in war
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