frenemy

noun

fren·​e·​my ˈfre-nə-mē How to pronounce frenemy (audio)
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
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.
Teddy has the hots for Seattle Pres trauma surgeon Cass Beckman (Sophia Bush), and Owen sleeps with childhood frenemy Nora Young (Floriana Lima). Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2025 The new footage introduces Sennott as Maia, a staffer at a talent management company who is vying to be promoted to a junior manager position when Tallulah (Odessa A’zion), a frenemy she’s lost touch with who is a social media influencer, reappears in her life. Leia Mendoza, Variety, 8 Oct. 2025 But the most toothsome morsel involves Harris’ longtime frenemy, California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Mark Z. Barabak, Boston Herald, 6 Oct. 2025 Lively also shared a special photo of the late Michelle Trachtenberg, who died at the age of 39 in February and played Serena's frenemy Georgina Sparks on the show. Michael Nied, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for frenemy

Word History

Etymology

blend of friend entry 1 and enemy

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of frenemy was in 1891

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Cite this Entry

“Frenemy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frenemy. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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