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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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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
Michel Martin, NPR, 24 June 2025
The parade of horribles that had for so long deterred Iran’s Western adversaries from confronting Tehran militarily did not materialize.
—The Editors, National Review, 24 June 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
Michel Martin: So, Israel and Iran have been adversaries for decades.
—Michel Martin, NPR, 24 June 2025
The parade of horribles that had for so long deterred Iran’s Western adversaries from confronting Tehran militarily did not materialize.
—The Editors, National Review, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for adversary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversary
Adjective
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Meanwhile, Syria has turned from a fertile ground to a hostile one for Iran and its assets, after the Assad regime was toppled in December.—
Lina Khatib,
Time,
19 June 2025
-
Republican leaders there have long seen many local school boards as hostile to potential charter school operators, resulting in a steady push to find ways for operators to apply to the state.—
Kate Payne,
The Orlando Sentinel,
18 June 2025
Noun
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In a pre-recorded video message, Khamenei claimed that American involvement signals Israel's weakness, adding that Iran's retaliatory actions have weakened the enemy.—
Amanda Castro
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 June 2025
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As Gramm and Boudreaux write toward book’s end, poverty in the U.S. is continually being redefined in ways that support their contention that capitalism isn’t the enemy of the poor.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
Noun
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In a 6-to-3 decision by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, the Court backed a request by the Trump Administration to limit the authority of federal judges to issue nationwide injunctions, a powerful tool by which Trump's opponents have been able to halt many of his policies in recent months.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
27 June 2025
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Under ideal circumstances, Van would have had a full camp to fight an opponent ranked between No. 5 and No. 10 following his UFC 316 win.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Put it all together, and this year has been a textbook example of how a negative NIIP profile can magnify currency turmoil, Ford warned.—
Alicia Adamczyk,
Fortune,
28 June 2025
-
However, the theory fell through after Sam tested negative for gun residue and fully cooperated with officers.—
Caroline Blair,
People.com,
28 June 2025
Noun
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The two longtime foes have traded direct strikes against one another since Israel launched a massive series of attacks against Iran last week, alleging that Tehran was secretly moving toward producing a nuclear weapon, a claim denied by Iranian officials.—
Tom O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 June 2025
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The open conflict sparked by Israel’s sudden barrage of attacks against Iran’s nuclear and military structure shows no signs of abating on the seventh day of hostilities between the two longtime foes that threatens to spiral into a wider, more dangerous regional war.—
Elena Becatoros,
Chicago Tribune,
20 June 2025
Noun
-
Success stories are told in the language of domination—of markets, rivals, and time.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2025
-
The company was slow to deliver its Apple Intelligence platform and still lags rivals in key features.—
Sara Braun,
Fortune,
21 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Adversary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversary. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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