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
One of the project’s most significant adversaries is the city of Sacramento — while the area is not under their governance, city officials argue the development would violate a decades-old habitat conservation agreement with the county.
—
Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 16 June 2026
The adversaries made for a striking scene, exchanging insults in mutually unintelligible languages in the dead of night.
—Literary Hub, 16 June 2026
Ukrainian casualties have been markedly lower than its adversaries, but the smaller population has required mass mobilization of all military-aged men.
—Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 15 June 2026
Hamer signed up and, through her courage, charisma, and oratory, quickly drew ardent disciples and ruthless adversaries.
—Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 15 June 2026
Trump’s territorial ambitions emboldened those of America’s adversaries.
—Ben Taub, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
Too many on the left have surrendered the flag’s powerful symbolism to their adversaries.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 14 June 2026
Concerningly, adversaries don't have to wait until Q-Day.
—Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
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
Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 16 June 2026
The adversaries made for a striking scene, exchanging insults in mutually unintelligible languages in the dead of night.
—Literary Hub, 16 June 2026
Ukrainian casualties have been markedly lower than its adversaries, but the smaller population has required mass mobilization of all military-aged men.
—Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 15 June 2026
Hamer signed up and, through her courage, charisma, and oratory, quickly drew ardent disciples and ruthless adversaries.
—Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 15 June 2026
Trump’s territorial ambitions emboldened those of America’s adversaries.
—Ben Taub, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
Too many on the left have surrendered the flag’s powerful symbolism to their adversaries.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 14 June 2026
Concerningly, adversaries don't have to wait until Q-Day.
—Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversaries
Noun
-
Upon completion of the new section in 1938, Santa Fe–and Hannett’s political enemies–were cut off from the economic engine of Route 66.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
-
Who would do a series with two enemies who wanted to kill each other?—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
13 June 2026
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
-
Overall, the Knicks went 16-3 in the 2026 playoffs and did so in dramatic fashion, outscoring their opponents by 283 points in those 19 games — by far the biggest single-postseason point differential in NBA history.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
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
-
There followed a series of European successes (Italy, Spain, Germany, France) before the anguish, for Brazilians, of seeing big South American rivals Argentina win a third world title in Qatar four years ago.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
14 June 2026
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Adversaries.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversaries. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
