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
Joe Gebbia Sr, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
The old model of government procurement is being outpaced by adversaries who move at the speed of commercial technology.
—Pat Ryan, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 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
In short, this omnibus state security bill addresses the full spectrum of threats — both covert and overt — from foreign adversaries.
—Joe Gebbia Sr, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
The old model of government procurement is being outpaced by adversaries who move at the speed of commercial technology.
—Pat Ryan, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for adversary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversary
Adjective
-
Being on the road and in a hostile environment is something that Ayton also is looking forward to.—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
4 May 2026
-
The race between Jones and Jackson has been incredibly hostile, with both releasing a myriad of attack ads and going after one another in debates.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
Trump has used the Justice Department to prosecute his political enemies.—
Peter Slevin,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
Producers are not your enemies.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
When President John Quincy Adams accepted Bolívar’s invitation, his opponents pounced.—
Daniel Immerwahr,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
While the group has 13 instances of holding opponents to one earned run or fewer — including five when asked to cover at least three innings — the bullpen also has given up five runs or more in seven of 24 league games.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
3 May 2026
Adjective
-
The country is already carbon-negative, over 70 percent forested (the national constitution requires at least 60 percent to be preserved), and powered almost entirely by hydroelectricity.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 May 2026
-
Trappings near her home in following months caught a variety of deer mice and white-footed mice, though the rodents tested negative for the virus.—
Eva Flowe
May 6,
Charlotte Observer,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
These two Central Division foes know each other well.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
2 May 2026
-
Jones won a close battle with Avery Tibbs of downstate Washington and fellow DuPage Valley Conference foe Danyella Mporokoso of Waubonsie Valley to win the award, as voted on by coaches and media statewide.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
Beating their cross-state rivals — a similarly surprising playoff team — is one thing.—
Shayna Goldman,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
-
Directed by Juan Pablo Arias Munoz, a prodigal daughter rejoins her family at their farm during a difficult time, as her ailing father faces both a terminal diagnosis and mounting pressure from rivals.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Adversary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversary. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
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