Synonyms of enemy

enemy

noun

ˈe-nə-mē 

as in opponent

one that is hostile toward another

a beloved minister with no known enemies

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of enemy

Behind the scenes, a new chief executive, Dave Boddy, sought to build bridges with the fans, who previously felt they had been treated as the enemy. — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

On one mission, Capers and his team—named Team Broadminded for their tactical efficiency—killed around 15 enemy soldiers. — Ethan Rocke, Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 2026

It is tasked both with combating enemies abroad and stamping out protests at home. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

For fighter aircraft programs, those mistakes could affect assessments of enemy radars, missile capabilities, and electronic warfare systems. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2026