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

Autonomous aircraft need reliable links to deliver information and support operations, but adversaries can target those links with electronic interference. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026

The trunk-rattling track oozes bold proclamations about bag chasing, love at first sight, and cruising past his adversaries. — Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 15 Oct. 2026

All along, the Houthis have frequently been portrayed by their adversaries and many external observers as a proxy for Iran, the chief regional rival to Saudi Arabia. — Laurent Bonnefoy, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026

In Afghanistan and Iraq, by contrast, none of Washington’s adversaries needed to field regular military forces in the open to achieve their objectives. — Justin Bronk, Foreign Affairs, 13 Oct. 2026

Today, drone technology is creating a similar dynamic, helping weaker adversaries narrow the strategic advantages that major powers — including the United States — have long enjoyed. — Todd J. Stein, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026

The Anatomy Of Multichannel Deception Why are adversaries finding such fertile ground across mobile messaging and voice channels? — Firas Azmeh, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026