frenemy

noun fren·e·my \ ˈfre-nə-mē \

|Updated on: 10 Jul 2018

Definition of frenemy

plural frenemies

: one who pretends to be a friend but is actually an enemy

Recent Examples of frenemy from the Web

But seeing his longtime frenemy so content in his stable relationship stirred up plenty of emotions for Ronnie, who found himself reflecting on his rocky relationship with Jen — and the larger picture of his troubled love life.

— aurelie corinthios, PEOPLE.com, "Jersey Shore's Ronnie Breaks Down Over Failed Relationships: 'I Have to Re-Evaluate My Life'," 14 June 2018
Unlike a number of his peers, including one frenemy who shall remain nameless, Jay-Z has never been quick to call himself a fashion designer.

— brooke bobb, Vogue, "First Rihanna, Now Jay-Z: What Will the Rapper Bring to Puma?," 19 June 2018
This week, half a dozen Senate Republicans, led by Trump frenemy Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), are pushing legislation that would give Congress the power to stop Trump's tariffs.

— amber phillips, Washington Post, "Republicans broke with Trump a lot more than usual this week," 8 June 2018
In chapter one, Kate Reddy is awakened at 2 a.m. by daughter Emily, who Snapchatted to a frenemy a photo of the tan line on her pert young butt, which quickly goes viral.

— patty rhule, USA TODAY, "'How Hard Can It Be?' Just ask Kate, who's turning 50 in hilarious, timely new novel," 4 June 2018
Ahead of her first Reputation Stadium Tour show, Taylor Swift received a surprising gift from a fellow star — longtime frenemy Katy Perry.

— melody chiu, PEOPLE.com, "'Deeply Sorry' Katy Perry Sends Olive Branch and Sweet Letter to Taylor Swift Ahead of Tour," 8 May 2018
Then there’s Donald Glover, king of all media, who takes on the role of Lando, Han’s old frenemy, and offers a take on the character that suggests so much of his effortless cool is bluster and balderdash.

— todd vanderwerff, Vox, "5 things to know about Solo: A Star Wars Story," 15 May 2018
The video depicted Swift as an action hero leading a squad of musicians, models and actors in a crusade against a frenemy who betrays her.

— michael gold, BostonGlobe.com, "Katy Perry and Taylor Swift’s ‘bad blood’ ended with an olive branch. Here’s how it started," 10 May 2018
Jordan Craig, who is Tristan Thompson's ex and mother to his child, and Khloe's frenemy Amber Rose both reached out with messages of support on social media.

— noelle devoe, Seventeen, "Tristan Thompson Reportedly Caught Cheating on Khloe Kardashian With Multiple Women," 11 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'frenemy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.