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
Beth Bailey, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Mars in Scorpio is a formidable adversary, making this an excellent time to tackle projects head-on and set the record straight wherever necessary.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 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 Sudan, warring factions attempted to deny aid to adversaries.
—Beth Bailey, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Mars in Scorpio is a formidable adversary, making this an excellent time to tackle projects head-on and set the record straight wherever necessary.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for adversary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversary
Adjective
-
Trump has been hostile to renewable energy, particularly offshore wind, and prioritizes fossil fuels for electricity.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter took it as a hostile act and approached Prescott, meeting face-to-face with him.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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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
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These projections estimate how many points each team would be expected to score and allow in a game against an average opponent at a neutral site.—
Austin Mock,
New York Times,
2 Sep. 2025
-
About a half-dozen opponents outside of ACC play are projected to be among the country's top 75 teams.—
Leo Bertucci,
The Courier-Journal,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
However, a number of attendees posted negative comments about the event on social media, with many claiming that the experience was chaotic and poorly organized.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
6 Sep. 2025
-
But let’s face it - any kind of drama on social media, positive or negative, is good for any reality competition show (or any series, for that matter).—
Marc Berman,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Familiar foes Idaho and Washington State will open their 2025 NCAA schedules against one another on Saturday in the 93rd edition of the Battle of the Palouse.—
Kilty Cleary,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Aug. 2025
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Commissioner Roberto Gonzalez, the mayor’s top foe on the 13-seat commission, blasted Levine Cava’s recent reveal of a budget situation that is less dire than first presented.—
Douglas Hanks,
Miami Herald,
30 Aug. 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
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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 9 Sep. 2025.
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