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

In the air, stealth aircraft require covert, point-to-point laser links to exchange target data without revealing their position to adversary direction-finding systems. — Rohit Jha, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 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

Plainly, companies in China and other adversaries such as Iran, North Korea, and Russia should be fair game. — David S. Cohen, Foreign Affairs, 8 Oct. 2026

Today, drone technology is creating a similar dynamic, helping weaker adversaries narrow the strategic advantages that major powers — including the United States — have long enjoyed. — Todd J. Stein, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!