as in foes
one that is hostile toward another
a beloved minister with no known enemies
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of enemies
The governments of Israel and Iran have long considered each other arch enemies, and most Israelis reserve their ire for the regime in Tehran.
—
Seyed Rahim Bathaei, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026
His private character came under fire at key moments in his nation’s early history, conditioning his attitude toward political enemies.
—Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
The Quds Force, as well as Iranian intelligence agencies, are believed to have hired criminal gangs and others to target dissidents and Iran’s perceived enemies abroad.
—Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026
In today’s world, there is so much conflict and social media seems designed to create enemies, Arthur said.
—Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2026
After all, why would your enemies' votes matter?
—Andrew Weinstein, Time, 28 Jan. 2026
Players also gain access to fire, electric and ice beams that are needed to bypass obstacles and handle the weak points of certain enemies.
—Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2026
This season takes a hellish turn, as our caveman protagonist encounters undead and other paranormal enemies.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
After all, there’s no better place to get inspo for an underdog story or an enemies-to-lovers rom-com than the freakin’ Olympics.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 23 Jan. 2026
Seyed Rahim Bathaei, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026
His private character came under fire at key moments in his nation’s early history, conditioning his attitude toward political enemies.
—Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
The Quds Force, as well as Iranian intelligence agencies, are believed to have hired criminal gangs and others to target dissidents and Iran’s perceived enemies abroad.
—Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026
In today’s world, there is so much conflict and social media seems designed to create enemies, Arthur said.
—Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2026
After all, why would your enemies' votes matter?
—Andrew Weinstein, Time, 28 Jan. 2026
Players also gain access to fire, electric and ice beams that are needed to bypass obstacles and handle the weak points of certain enemies.
—Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2026
This season takes a hellish turn, as our caveman protagonist encounters undead and other paranormal enemies.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
After all, there’s no better place to get inspo for an underdog story or an enemies-to-lovers rom-com than the freakin’ Olympics.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 23 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enemies
Noun
-
The book begins with a familiar spark, a rescue, but Wells wanted to push the setting into something stronger and tougher to move through, eventually coming up with another unique sci-fi setting that Murderbot and its friends can navigate while encountering friends, foes and more eye contact.—
Kenna Hughes-Castleberry,
Space.com,
24 Jan. 2026
-
The Seahawks and Rams will follow them in the NFC Conference Championship, a rubber match between these NFC West foes.—
Josh Shepardson,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
For the second time this season, the Sea View League opponents provided a nail-biter.—
Martin Henderson,
Oc Register,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Gauff’s movement often exhausts her opponents.—
Merlisa Lawrence Corbett,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Enemies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enemies. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
