as in hostile
marked by opposition or ill will
there was a long history of adversary dealings between the two nations
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Recent Examples of adversary
Bloomberg, Mercury News, 7 Apr. 2026
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
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
See All Example Sentences for adversary
Adjective
Yet distillation has been controversial when used by third parties — particularly in adversary nations like China or Russia — to replicate proprietary work without authorization.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 7 Apr. 2026
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
Noun
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
See All Example Sentences for adversary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversary
Adjective
-
But if his intention is a quick rate cut, the new chairman might be entering a hostile work environment.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
17 June 2026
-
French, American, British and other naval crews already have experience of escorting civilian ships through hostile fire in the region.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
However, this distinction did more than pit pious Americans against an atheist enemy.—
David Williamson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 June 2026
-
Dassault’s Mirage fighter – and more recently the Rafale – can creep into enemy airspace, dogfight, drop bombs and launch cruise missiles.—
Joseph Ataman,
CNN Money,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
Villanova would toss the Owls aside by 20 for its 22nd consecutive win against their Philly opponents, a walkover victory that barely moved the needle anywhere outside of the city limits.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
-
With opponents as varied as Morocco, Haiti and Scotland to face in the group stage alone, Clement expects this World Cup to throw up different challenges from a coaching and tactical perspective.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
14 June 2026
Adjective
-
The Fort Worth City Council is considering a slate of changes to its development codes to protect residents from the negative effects of data center development while still capturing some economic benefit for the city.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
18 June 2026
-
Service lines include negative content suppression and removal, brand credibility restoration, news and press placement, content strategy, real-time monitoring, and Google search dominance.—
Jason Phillips,
USA Today,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
The demonstration, which had been previously organized by a hodgepodge of activist groups after weeks of negotiations with local authorities, was otherwise peaceful — with environmentalists, women’s rights advocates, supporters of Palestinians and foes of imperialism, fascism and capitalism.—
Jamey Keaten,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
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But in the meantime, the team has gotten an update on a familiar face courtesy of their long-time regional foe.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
But Republican rival Steve Hilton slammed the group for political opportunism.—
Ben Paviour,
Sacbee.com,
20 June 2026
-
The idea is that even rivals can find common ground over a beverage.—
Ralphie Aversa,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Adversary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversary. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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