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
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
Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025
What rankles even more about 2025 is that, in other late-season swoons, the Mets have at least been tracked down by an adversary.
—Tim Britton, New York Times, 29 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
At Fort Laramie, some of the commissioners also ran into familiar Native adversaries, encountered over years of military conflict.
—Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025
What rankles even more about 2025 is that, in other late-season swoons, the Mets have at least been tracked down by an adversary.
—Tim Britton, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for adversary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversary
Adjective
-
Tampa is heading into a hostile environment against a feisty Seattle Seahawks team that matches them with a 3-1 record.—
Josh Buckhalter,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Republicans, traditionally seen as more hostile to government, are often viewed as the shutdown aggressors.—
W. James Antle III,
The Washington Examiner,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
There’s even a little Kurosawa — from all the stages of his career — in the feudal set-up; while the decadent emperor Kisra (Ben Kingsley) holds court, his enemies are banished.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
28 Sep. 2025
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The eight-part series depicts the events leading up to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, chronicling how two former allies would eventually become enemies in their fight for control of the English throne.—
Jenzia Burgos,
StyleCaster,
28 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The celebrations had barely faded when attention turned to the Champions League draw in late August, when Kairat earned a date with some of Europe’s biggest clubs among their eight opponents, including competition record winner Real Madrid.—
Nina Subkhanberdina,
CNN Money,
30 Sep. 2025
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The transgender athlete, Marissa Rothenberger of Champlin Park High School, led the school to a state championship this past year while dominating female opponents.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The inflation hammering households is primarily due to the weak yen that the Abe government orchestrated with negative interest rates and massive monetary easing, causing a surge in energy and food prices that pinches voters’ wallets.—
Jeff Kingston,
Time,
4 Oct. 2025
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The website, though, shows a negative subtotal of more than $2 million, suggesting money allocated to the grant that was unspent.—
Meg Tirrell,
CNN Money,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Tasked with delivering a vital secret weapon to their allies, the soldiers soon discover that what lurks in the forest is far more terrifying than their German foe.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
29 Sep. 2025
-
After a postseason race that went down to Game 162, the longtime foes are set to meet in a best-of-three Wild Card Series in New York, starting with Game 1 on Tuesday.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The Eagles have already delivered some statement wins, pulling away from NFC East rival Dallas, once again defeating the Chiefs and then rallying against a very good Los Angeles Rams team last week.—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
28 Sep. 2025
-
Meeting remains huge for both state rivals, maybe bigger now for the Seminoles.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
28 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Adversary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversary. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.
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