1
as in enemies
one that is hostile toward another
our old cat seemed to consider the new kitten an adversary
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Recent Examples of adversaries
The piece was quickly condemned, mostly by ideological adversaries of Ingersoll.
—
Emily Brooks, The Hill, 30 Sep. 2025
Some of my favorite characters from my childhood will get to take on their toughest adversaries ever next year at Universal Studios Hollywood.
—Robert Niles, Oc Register, 30 Sep. 2025
At Fort Laramie, some of the commissioners also ran into familiar Native adversaries, encountered over years of military conflict.
—Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025
Dual katanas are strong against polearms while odachis specialize in taking down adversaries wielding heavy weapons.
—Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025
Poor weather and battlefield obscurants continue to endanger warfighters as adversaries rely on these conditions to escape attacks.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025
Advertisement According to Knight, Edward’s gesture was part of a general effort to extend an olive branch to appease potential adversaries.
—Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 25 Sep. 2025
Jake will need fortitude for the plethora of adversaries coming for him and his family in the upcoming film.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2025
Respondents were asked whether Biden ever instructed Attorney General Merrick Garland to investigate the president’s political adversaries.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2025
Emily Brooks, The Hill, 30 Sep. 2025
Some of my favorite characters from my childhood will get to take on their toughest adversaries ever next year at Universal Studios Hollywood.
—Robert Niles, Oc Register, 30 Sep. 2025
At Fort Laramie, some of the commissioners also ran into familiar Native adversaries, encountered over years of military conflict.
—Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025
Dual katanas are strong against polearms while odachis specialize in taking down adversaries wielding heavy weapons.
—Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025
Poor weather and battlefield obscurants continue to endanger warfighters as adversaries rely on these conditions to escape attacks.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025
Advertisement According to Knight, Edward’s gesture was part of a general effort to extend an olive branch to appease potential adversaries.
—Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 25 Sep. 2025
Jake will need fortitude for the plethora of adversaries coming for him and his family in the upcoming film.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2025
Respondents were asked whether Biden ever instructed Attorney General Merrick Garland to investigate the president’s political adversaries.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversaries
Noun
-
While it’s commonly believed that cats and dogs are inherent enemies, the American Kennel Club (AKC) suggests that isn’t always the case.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Militaries are reviving old tactics with new technology, using decoys to confuse enemies and protect real weapons.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Those opponents cited massive price tags in other states with similar efforts, and have argued the accounts harm public schools.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
2 Oct. 2025
-
The Texas quarterback and de facto royal family member struggled in the season opener at Ohio State, then racked up numbers against two of three lesser opponents.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The Biden administration completed the reversion to a Cold War frame, declaring a global divide between democracies and autocracies, with China and Russia reprising their roles as principal foes.—
JENNIFER KAVANAGH,
Foreign Affairs,
30 Sep. 2025
-
After a postseason race that went down to Game 162, the longtime foes are set to meet in a best-of-three Wild Card Series in New York, starting with Game 1 on Tuesday.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Issues around social media, respect between political rivals and free speech have been highlighted by the assassination of conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder and CEO Charlie Kirk on September 10.—
Robert Birsel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
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Because both the Lions and Packers are playoff contenders and longtime divisional rivals with fan bases that extend beyond their own cities, this year’s Thanksgiving match-up holds ample promise.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Adversaries.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversaries. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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