as in hostile
marked by opposition or ill will
there was a long history of adversary dealings between the two nations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in enemy
one that is hostile toward another
our old cat seemed to consider the new kitten an adversary
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in opponent
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 adversary
Dan Morse, Alex Horton, Anchorage Daily News, 30 Sep. 2022
At the same time, Trump's tirades against trade deals with nations like China played into a belief among many people that such pacts had hollowed out the American dream, while building middle classes lives for citizens of adversary nations.
—Stephen Collinson, CNN, 28 Sep. 2017
Tolly Wright, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2025
But a United States threatening to upend 80 years of largely successful nonproliferation policy practice and experience is creating incentives for allies and adversaries alike to look for their own nuclear insurance policies.
—Vipin Narang, Foreign Affairs, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for adversary
Adjective
Such sensitive information, along with financial information and private messages, is helpful for adversary intelligence agencies to use as leverage for blackmail or coercion.
—Dan Morse, Alex Horton, Anchorage Daily News, 30 Sep. 2022
At the same time, Trump's tirades against trade deals with nations like China played into a belief among many people that such pacts had hollowed out the American dream, while building middle classes lives for citizens of adversary nations.
—Stephen Collinson, CNN, 28 Sep. 2017
Noun
In the loosely based on Vineland film, DiCaprio plays an ex-activist who teams up with his former revolutionary pals when a militarized adversary (Penn) makes trouble for his family.
—Tolly Wright, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2025
But a United States threatening to upend 80 years of largely successful nonproliferation policy practice and experience is creating incentives for allies and adversaries alike to look for their own nuclear insurance policies.
—Vipin Narang, Foreign Affairs, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for adversary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversary
Adjective
-
Thanks to climate change, Cosmism’s ambivalent and generally hostile attitude towards the natural world should also sound familiar.—
Tim Brinkhof,
Big Think,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Another camera designed to withstand the hostile environment of space was used outside.—
Catherine Muccigrosso,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Under orders from General Erinmore (Colin Firth), the pair must traverse enemy lines to deliver a life-or-death message to Colonel Mackenzie (Benedict Cumberbatch), halting an attack that would endanger more than 1,000 men.—
Emy LaCroix,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
-
The enemy terrorizes and kills our people across the country every day.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Through two games, the Ragin’ Cajuns have held opponents to an average of 12 points per game — a mark that’s tied for the best in the Sun Belt.—
Maddie Hartley,
Kansas City Star,
10 Sep. 2025
-
And if history continues to repeat itself, the Panthers will continue to look like first-half fodder to their opponents over the next several weeks.—
DIAMOND VENCES,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
There is also, generally speaking, universal admission that boy, this game sure runs terribly on PC, leading to a huge number of negative Steam reviews, causing the game to be Mixed there.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Then, there’s the power to see through all of that, through what could be perceived as pain or a negative situation, and see the colorfulness of my culture, the warmth of my culture, and the community, as well.—
Lisa Deaderick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Green Bay went 1-5 against divisional foes in 2005, though, and Sherman was fired one day after the season ended.—
Rob Reischel,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
-
All four of its losses came to Detroit and the Rams, a pair of excellent foes.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
But the Packers dominated a team that’s become one of their biggest rivals in recent years.—
Rob Reischel,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Sinner and Alcaraz’s nominally closest rival is Djokovic, who reached the semifinals of all four majors this year, and did at least post that one victory against Alcaraz.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Adversary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversary. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share