ADVERSARY Synonyms: 161 Similar and Opposite Words

adversary 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of adversary next

as in hostile

marked by opposition or ill will there was a long history of adversary dealings between the two nations

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adversary

2 of 2

noun

ˈad-vər-ˌser-ē

as in enemy

one that is hostile toward another our old cat seemed to consider the new kitten an adversary

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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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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of 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

On the side of the adversaries, the Iranian regime is battered, of course. —

Andreas Kluth, Twin Cities, 14 Apr. 2026 There have been several incarnations since, all with shapeshifting powers that transform their drippy clay body structures; all have been adversaries of Batman. —

Matt Grobar, Deadline, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adversary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversary

Adjective

On Tuesday a civil jury concluded that Lodes resigned involuntarily due to his reporting of a hostile workplace and was awarded the multimillion-dollar payment as compensation for his emotional damages.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
The lawsuit claims Mavromatis experienced retaliatory consequences for raising concerns about the harassment and hostile work environment.

— Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 22 Apr. 2026