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

As commerce secretary, Lutnick took the helm of an agency responsible for policing exports of sensitive technology to adversaries and global rivals. — Isabel Vincent, CBS News, 12 Nov. 2026

The Chip Security Act aims to prevent illicit smuggling of advanced AI chips to foreign adversaries, partly by verifying their location once they’ve been shipped out. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 12 Nov. 2026

This becomes particularly important when adversaries deploy electronic warfare systems. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 Nov. 2026

Lawmakers have to start seeing billionaires as assets, not adversaries. — Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 11 Nov. 2026

Hybrid warfare combines tactics such as cyberattacks, sabotage and disinformation to destabilize adversaries without triggering open military conflict. — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 11 Nov. 2026

Dying is as much of a triumph as surviving, and the fear of destruction that deters other adversaries means little. — Khosro Isfahani, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2026

Companies can also take civil action against adversaries, but that still relies on corporations speaking out. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2026

Military action against both adversaries would only require Trump to give his say-so. — Daniel W. Drezner, Foreign Affairs, 4 Nov. 2026