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
There are also fears that AI bug hunting tools can be used by adversaries to find ways to exploit vulnerabilities, making patching more important than ever.
—
Kate O'Flaherty,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
Could be adversaries politically; don’t have to like everybody.
—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
1 July 2026
Iran especially has been known to use cyber information operations to try and destabilize its adversaries.
—
Larry Luxner,
Sun Sentinel,
29 June 2026
Seoul — North Korea on Tuesday commissioned its largest-ever warship, a 5,000-ton destroyer that military analysts say could give Pyongyang’s adversaries something more to think about in a time of crisis.
—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
24 June 2026
Instead of demanding personal fealty or humiliating them to assert personal dominance, Lincoln absorbed their egos and occasional slights, elevating their talents and turning his fiercest political adversaries into his most devoted champions.
—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Fortune,
24 June 2026
Friends and adversaries alike pay close attention to what Americans believe about themselves.
—
Philippa Stroud,
Washington Post,
23 June 2026
The measure’s main backer is the SEIU United Health Workers West, whose president, Dave Regan, has a long track record of using ballot measures as a cudgel to win concessions from labor adversaries.
—
Evelyn Ronan,
Sacbee.com,
23 June 2026
Kate O'Flaherty,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
Could be adversaries politically; don’t have to like everybody.
—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
1 July 2026
Iran especially has been known to use cyber information operations to try and destabilize its adversaries.
—
Larry Luxner,
Sun Sentinel,
29 June 2026
Seoul — North Korea on Tuesday commissioned its largest-ever warship, a 5,000-ton destroyer that military analysts say could give Pyongyang’s adversaries something more to think about in a time of crisis.
—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
24 June 2026
Instead of demanding personal fealty or humiliating them to assert personal dominance, Lincoln absorbed their egos and occasional slights, elevating their talents and turning his fiercest political adversaries into his most devoted champions.
—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Fortune,
24 June 2026
Friends and adversaries alike pay close attention to what Americans believe about themselves.
—
Philippa Stroud,
Washington Post,
23 June 2026
The measure’s main backer is the SEIU United Health Workers West, whose president, Dave Regan, has a long track record of using ballot measures as a cudgel to win concessions from labor adversaries.
—
Evelyn Ronan,
Sacbee.com,
23 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversaries
Noun
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Later in the Hebrew Bible Lot is mentioned primarily in reference to his descendants, the Moabites and Ammonites, who are described as periodic enemies of the Israelites.
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So why is cryptocurrency now getting a pass to work with American enemies?
Noun
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Other players have covered their mouths while speaking to opponents during the World Cup, but a red card is only issued if the conversation occurs during a confrontation or heated exchange.
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The side of the bracket where France sits includes some tough potential opponents.
Noun
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The Atlas Lions also frustrated their Scottish foes with their physicality, taking down Christie, McTominay and others with a series of hard challenges that did not draw whistles.
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Sure, Carpenter’s cut-the-ruggers are pizzazzing with their flips and cartwheels, but the Grande gang make formidable dance foes in the Sharks and Jets sense of the word.
Noun
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The club is one year into PSG Labs, 15 years into the broader brand project, and still operating in a country where broadcast television revenue—the financial backbone of English and Spanish football—is dramatically lower than its rivals.
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Targeting political rivals The Justice Department’s role in the IRS lawsuit is one example of how Trump has decreed that executive branch employees should act as agents of his will.
Cite this Entry
“Adversaries.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversaries. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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