frenemy

noun

fren·​e·​my ˈfre-nə-mē 

plural frenemies

informal : a person who is or pretends to be a friend but who is also in some ways an enemy or rival

In Hollywood, everyone has lots of frenemies, usually people who are doing comparatively well at any given moment.

—Pete Clark

In an awkward awards ceremony, Phil [Mickelson] and Tiger [Woods] stood on the 18th green together as frenemies. Phil held up the crystal trophy for the tournament title, while Tiger squirreled away a $10 million bonus for winning the FedEx Cup …

—Selena Roberts

Examples of frenemy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Meanwhile Glinda assumes her role as people’s princess and government mouthpiece in the absence of her best frenemy. —Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 14 May 2025

In trying to convince her to stay, Lawrence unfavorably compares her to Serena, talks of her frenemy's upcoming nuptials, and tells her Janine is alive, but posted at Bell's. —Matt Cabral, EW.com, 6 May 2025

The two-time Tony Award nominee is currently treading the boards in the musical adaptation of Death Becomes Her, bringing audiences to their feet eight shows a week as Helen Sharp, the downtrodden author in a forever feud with her frenemy, egocentric actress Madeline Ashton (Megan Hilty). —Dave Quinn, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025

Other familiar faces were Anna Kendrick as Bella’s frenemy Jessica Stanley and Dakota Fanning as Volturi member Jane. —Francesca Gariano, People.com, 1 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

blend of friend entry 1 and enemy

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for frenemy

• enemy

Kids Definition

frenemy

noun

fren·​e·​my

ˈfren-ə-mē

plural frenemies

informal : someone who pretends to be a friend but is really an enemy