1
as in enemies
one that is hostile toward another
our old cat seemed to consider the new kitten an adversary
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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
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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
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Those of us who care about keeping liberalism alive need Europeans to start defending it against all of its enemies—in Moscow, Beijing, and Washington.—
Robert Kagan,
The Atlantic,
19 June 2026
-
In the book, Leganski offers a rare, unfettered account of what goes into becoming speaker of the House, and takes digs at enemies.—
Zak Hudak,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
Noun
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In Monday’s annual Homeowners Association board election, president Karl de Borbon is running for a ninth consecutive term against opponents who accuse him of rigging last year’s election and a June 8 vote for a swimming pool deck refurbishment project and a bylaw amendment.—
Linda Robertson,
Miami Herald,
22 June 2026
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But the move enabled Florida to lock in what will be one of the best top-six forward groups in the league, slotting Brady Tkachuck into the left wing spot on the second line alongside center Sam Bennett and right wing Matthew Tkachuk that will cause opponents major headaches.—
Eduardo A. Encina,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 June 2026
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.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
20 June 2026
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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.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
19 June 2026
Noun
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The intoxicating pull of the manosphere – the hyper-online community led by men who tout misogynistic definitions of manliness – has given Glass a boisterous brigade of rivals.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
21 June 2026
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But its comfort, confidence, and overall road smoothness equal many of its rivals’ personas.—
James Raia,
Mercury News,
21 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Adversaries.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversaries. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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