Synonyms of adversaries

adversaries

noun

plural of adversary

1

as in enemies

one that is hostile toward another

our old cat seemed to consider the new kitten an adversary

Synonyms & Similar Words

• enemies
• opponents
• foes
• hostiles
• antagonists
• attackers
• rivals
• competitors
• combatants
• archenemies
• invaders
• assailants
• ill-wishers
• nemeses
• archfoes
• bêtes noires
• banes
• emulators

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• friends
• allies
• partners
• buddies
• colleagues
• pals
• fellows
• amigos
• chums
• cronies
• musketeers
• comrades
• collaborators
• compadres
• mates
• accomplices
• confederates
• adherents
• disciples
• abettors
• followers
• supporters
• hearties
• sympathizers
• benefactors
• hail-fellows
• friendlies
• hobnobbers
• exponents
• hail-fellows-well-met
• backers
• well-wishers

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

• opponents
• foes
• rivals
• competitors
• antagonists
• enemies
• contestants
• equals
• matches
• attackers
• combatants
• archenemies
• invaders
• assailants
• nemeses
• curses
• bêtes noires
• banes

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• allies
• partners
• supporters
• accomplices
• advocates
• proponents
• confederates
• champions
• exponents
• sympathizers

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of adversaries

However, the threat has only grown in complexity, as other foreign adversaries, including Iran, have ramped up efforts to undermine confidence in the American electoral system and advocate for their preferred candidates and policies. — Jenna McLaughlin, NPR, 3 Sep. 2026

He's argued that allowing foreign adversaries like China to outpace the US in developing AI could be a risk to national security, but his administration has been very supportive of AI despite the growing backlash. — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

State and nonstate actors have long used physical sabotage against critical infrastructure, disinformation, and offensive cyber-operations to weaken their adversaries below the threshold of conventional warfare. — Seth G. Jones, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2026

The Washington Post, in one of its editorials, said Trump treats allies worse than adversaries. — Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 31 Aug. 2026

For Tinubu and his chief adversaries Atiku and Obi, then, Nigeria’s security predicament will require more than election season sloganeering. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 31 Aug. 2026

Even Carney’s political adversaries, who waste no opportunity to criticize the Liberal Party leader, support his walking away from the table. — Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Potential adversaries must account for the possibility that a carrier strike group can rapidly generate significant combat power without requiring the United States to build permanent military infrastructure at the location. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026

As capabilities that once required highly skilled adversaries become increasingly accessible, strengthening cybersecurity has become an even greater strategic priority. — Fran Rosch, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026