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

Even Carney’s political adversaries, who waste no opportunity to criticize the Liberal Party leader, support his walking away from the table. — Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

The adversaries' willingness to endure pain and the determination of their leaders to survive have sometimes enabled them to play a long game, outwaiting American patience. — Susan Page, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

The drone in question was powered by a Nvidia minicomputer not sold in Russia but available through resale markets, highlighting the difficulties in denying tech to US adversaries. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 24 Aug. 2026

Potential adversaries must account for the possibility that a carrier strike group can rapidly generate significant combat power without requiring the United States to build permanent military infrastructure at the location. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026

As capabilities that once required highly skilled adversaries become increasingly accessible, strengthening cybersecurity has become an even greater strategic priority. — Fran Rosch, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

As a result, partisans of the political left and right routinely use allegations of plagiarism to vilify their ideological adversaries. — Roger J. Kreuz, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026

Defending the strike, Netanyahu alleged on Wednesday that Turkey — a NATO ally of the US that is one of Israel’s top regional adversaries — was intent on deploying forces there. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

Our adversaries are constantly looking for new vulnerabilities to exploit. — Frances Townsend, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026