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
The move suggests a broader shift in Tehran, where a new generation of leaders is increasingly abandoning the cautious, reactive approach that long defined the Islamic Republic’s strategy towards its adversaries.
—
Abbas Al Lawati, CNN Money, 10 June 2026
Nicaragua’s government has also imprisoned adversaries, religious leaders, journalists and more, then exiled them, stripping hundreds of their citizenship and possessions.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
As geopolitical competition intensifies and adversaries rapidly scale autonomous systems of their own, autonomy increasingly becomes a national security imperative.
—Tim Burns, Fortune, 9 June 2026
Nicaragua’s government has also imprisoned adversaries, religious leaders, journalists and more, then exiled them, stripping hundreds of their citizenship and possessions.
—ABC News, 8 June 2026
The models have shown themselves adept at finding security flaws in software, creating concerns that adversaries could use them to launch cyberattacks on government agencies, banks and critical infrastructure.
—Cat Zakrzewski The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 7 June 2026
Also, Mars will slip into Gemini and your seventh house of agreements, commitments and adversaries, heating up relationship dynamics, making debates faster and more direct.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 4 June 2026
After prolonged ground wars in the Middle East, recovery ate up Army funding — at the same time the service needed to prepare to confront increasingly technologically advanced adversaries.
—Ryan D. McCarthy, Washington Post, 4 June 2026
The sources said the plea deal does not allege any wrongdoing by Bolton in connection with the publication of his book, nor is he accused of taking home any classified records or sharing them with the media or foreign adversaries.
—Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 4 June 2026
Abbas Al Lawati, CNN Money, 10 June 2026
Nicaragua’s government has also imprisoned adversaries, religious leaders, journalists and more, then exiled them, stripping hundreds of their citizenship and possessions.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
As geopolitical competition intensifies and adversaries rapidly scale autonomous systems of their own, autonomy increasingly becomes a national security imperative.
—Tim Burns, Fortune, 9 June 2026
Nicaragua’s government has also imprisoned adversaries, religious leaders, journalists and more, then exiled them, stripping hundreds of their citizenship and possessions.
—ABC News, 8 June 2026
The models have shown themselves adept at finding security flaws in software, creating concerns that adversaries could use them to launch cyberattacks on government agencies, banks and critical infrastructure.
—Cat Zakrzewski The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 7 June 2026
Also, Mars will slip into Gemini and your seventh house of agreements, commitments and adversaries, heating up relationship dynamics, making debates faster and more direct.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 4 June 2026
After prolonged ground wars in the Middle East, recovery ate up Army funding — at the same time the service needed to prepare to confront increasingly technologically advanced adversaries.
—Ryan D. McCarthy, Washington Post, 4 June 2026
The sources said the plea deal does not allege any wrongdoing by Bolton in connection with the publication of his book, nor is he accused of taking home any classified records or sharing them with the media or foreign adversaries.
—Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 4 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversaries
Noun
-
But unlike the current enemies at the gates, the doomsday sign-holders won’t go away.—
Derek Newton,
Forbes.com,
21 Aug. 2025
-
Casual encounters with enemies were satisfying, but the boss fight was a highlight.—
Zackery Cuevas,
PC Magazine,
20 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
In recent years, opponents have felt comfortable defending their 12-personnel sets with both heavy and light personnel.—
Alec Lewis,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
-
However, for all the antitrust threats opponents to the merger have floated, the mainly unspoken but real battle in this year of midterm elections seems to be about old-fashioned politics and firing up the base.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
15 June 2026
Noun
-
The demonstration, which had been previously organized by a hodgepodge of activist groups after weeks of negotiations with local authorities, was otherwise peaceful — with environmentalists, women’s rights advocates, supporters of Palestinians and foes of imperialism, fascism and capitalism.—
Jamey Keaten,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
-
Activist groups including environmentalists, feminists and foes of capitalism have called for a big demonstration later Sunday.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
Newsday via Getty Images The Atlanta Braves entered the season expecting to face a significant challenge from their division rivals, particularly after the New York Mets revamped their own roster with several star additions.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
-
Telehealth companies such as Vida Health and its rivals offer lifestyle support so people taking drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound can have the most success on the drugs.—
Sydney Lupkin,
NPR,
14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Adversaries.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversaries. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
