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

Friends and adversaries alike pay close attention to what Americans believe about themselves. — Philippa Stroud, Washington Post, 23 June 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

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

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

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