1
as in enemies
one that is hostile toward another
our old cat seemed to consider the new kitten an adversary
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in opponents
one that takes a position opposite another in a competition or conflict
our adversaries in tomorrow's meet are from one of the top schools in the league
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of adversaries
As a result, economists have said these sanctions have eroded favorability toward the dollar from some of America’s adversaries.
—
Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 6 May 2026
The bad news is that our adversaries can see them too.
—ABC News, 6 May 2026
The administration says the sanctions are also intended to discourage deeper involvement from foreign adversaries.
—Abby Dodge, CBS News, 2 May 2026
That may have been in part to keep any adversaries (or lone wolves) guessing.
—Neil Flanagan, The Atlantic, 2 May 2026
Piker consistently celebrates America’s adversaries.
—Alma Hernandez, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026
None of this would’ve been possible without Lively and Baldoni, adversaries whose spite and resources compelled them to continue to pursue litigation when just about everyone else in their positions would have quickly settled in the cloaked realm of arbitration.
—Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2026
Shotguns are powerful up close and can stun enemies for melee hit while ranged weapons are best for adversaries with devastating close-up attacks.
—Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026
Foreign adversaries and the Federal Reserve have begun using this phrase in official communications.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 6 May 2026
The bad news is that our adversaries can see them too.
—ABC News, 6 May 2026
The administration says the sanctions are also intended to discourage deeper involvement from foreign adversaries.
—Abby Dodge, CBS News, 2 May 2026
That may have been in part to keep any adversaries (or lone wolves) guessing.
—Neil Flanagan, The Atlantic, 2 May 2026
Piker consistently celebrates America’s adversaries.
—Alma Hernandez, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026
None of this would’ve been possible without Lively and Baldoni, adversaries whose spite and resources compelled them to continue to pursue litigation when just about everyone else in their positions would have quickly settled in the cloaked realm of arbitration.
—Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2026
Shotguns are powerful up close and can stun enemies for melee hit while ranged weapons are best for adversaries with devastating close-up attacks.
—Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026
Foreign adversaries and the Federal Reserve have begun using this phrase in official communications.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversaries
Noun
-
Trump unilaterally waged war against a foreign country, used the Department of Justice and FBI to attack his political enemies, and enriched himself and his family at the expense of Americans.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
2 May 2026
-
Country has ‘strategic enemies’ on both sides Ghadban said his country had no interest in allying with either side in the war.—
Abby Sewell,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
But tribal opponents disagree that those requirements were met and said drilling projects are often a first step leading to future mines.—
Sarah Raza,
Los Angeles Times,
5 May 2026
-
Martin gets some jokes about it, more from older generations than teammates or opponents.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
5 May 2026
Noun
-
This fourth season was the series’ most ambitious, both in its set pieces (shoot-outs, car chases) and in its interrogation of what its characters value and love, and if Dark Winds can keep mixing up the flavor of Leaphorn and Chee’s foes, its forecast looks good.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
4 May 2026
-
Reuters, which won for national reporting, looked at how Trump has used the federal government and his supporters’ influence to expand presidential authority and target foes, the award judges noted.—
Jennifer Peltz,
Twin Cities,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
Once fierce rivals, the two men were responsible for the country’s first peaceful transfer of power between parties, after Jefferson and his Democratic-Republican Party defeated Adams and the Federalists in the election of 1800.—
Jelani Cobb,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
While rivals like the Tacoma and Colorado constantly reinvent themselves, Nissan tends to take the long road by refining, tweaking, and polishing instead of blowing everything up every few years.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
3 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Adversaries.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversaries. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
