Synonyms of adversary

adversary 1 of 2

adjective

as in hostile

marked by opposition or ill will

there was a long history of adversary dealings between the two nations

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hostile
• negative
• adverse
• adversarial
• contentious
• antagonistic
• unfavorable
• mortal
• opposed
• inimical
• unpleasant
• unfriendly
• inhospitable
• conflicting
• antipathetic
• unsympathetic
• militant
• malicious
• jaundiced
• belligerent
• pugnacious
• resisting
• combative
• icy
• contrary
• bellicose
• disagreeable
• frigid
• distant
• truculent
• quarrelsome
• scrappy
• clashing
• antisocial
• disputatious
• malevolent
• vindictive
• cold
• malignant
• argumentative
• disapproving
• hateful
• bitter
• rude
• biased
• unkind
• spiteful
• virulent
• prejudiced
• malign
• discourteous
• surly
• inconsiderate
• acrimonious
• unmannerly
• uncivil
• cool
• impolite
• unsociable
• rancorous
• impertinent
• opprobrious
• unloving
• ill-mannered
• despiteful
• ill-bred

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• sympathetic
• friendly
• civil
• social
• hospitable
• amiable
• pleasant
• gracious
• warm
• amicable
• nonhostile
• cordial
• affable
• gregarious
• genial
• companionable
• convivial
• neighborly
• loving
• affectionate
• nonantagonistic
• sociable
• kind
• sweet
• good-natured
• favorable
• benign
• kindly
• devoted
• nice
• understanding
• agreeable
• comradely
• good-tempered
• accepting
• empathetic
• welcoming
• warmhearted
• approving

adversary

2 of 2

noun

ˈad-vər-ˌser-ē 

1

as in enemy

one that is hostile toward another

our old cat seemed to consider the new kitten an adversary

Synonyms & Similar Words

• enemy
• opponent
• foe
• hostile
• antagonist
• attacker
• archenemy
• competitor
• rival
• combatant
• assailant
• invader
• nemesis
• archfoe
• bête noire
• ill-wisher
• bane
• emulator

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• friend
• partner
• fellow
• buddy
• ally
• pal
• chum
• accomplice
• colleague
• mate
• compadre
• comrade
• crony
• collaborator
• hearty
• musketeer
• disciple
• friendly
• amigo
• abettor
• adherent
• follower
• hail-fellow
• hail-fellow-well-met
• benefactor
• supporter
• exponent
• sympathizer
• hobnobber
• confederate
• backer
• well-wisher

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

• opponent
• foe
• rival
• competitor
• enemy
• antagonist
• contestant
• match
• nemesis
• attacker
• combatant
• assailant
• archenemy
• invader
• equal
• curse
• bane
• bête noire

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• partner
• ally
• accomplice
• advocate
• champion
• proponent
• supporter
• exponent
• confederate
• sympathizer

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of adversary

Adjective

Trump has made no secret of his intent to halt the advancing influence by both adversary nations into not only Venezuela, but throughout the Western hemisphere. — David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

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

Noun

Hitting the brakes and handing control to the federal government just insures that China and other adversaries will leave us in the dust. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 21 Sep. 2026

Again, that involves human adversaries with malicious intent. — Justine Calma, The Verge, 20 Sep. 2026

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