as in opponent
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 enemy
But good grief —that grief is not the enemy, and feelings are not the enemy.
—
Chris Willman, Variety, 4 June 2026
Over monitoring can be your worst enemy.
—David Oliver, USA Today, 4 June 2026
For decades, scientists have understood that plants can release volatile organic compounds—essentially airborne chemical signals—to attract the natural enemies of the things that eat them, like caterpillars.
—Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 3 June 2026
With the North Koreans and the Chinese military bearing down on Incheon in 1951, Casillas was ordered by his superiors to destroy all vital structures in Incheon to keep the infrastructure from falling into enemy hands.
—Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for enemy
Chris Willman, Variety, 4 June 2026
Over monitoring can be your worst enemy.
—David Oliver, USA Today, 4 June 2026
For decades, scientists have understood that plants can release volatile organic compounds—essentially airborne chemical signals—to attract the natural enemies of the things that eat them, like caterpillars.
—Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 3 June 2026
With the North Koreans and the Chinese military bearing down on Incheon in 1951, Casillas was ordered by his superiors to destroy all vital structures in Incheon to keep the infrastructure from falling into enemy hands.
—Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for enemy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enemy
Noun
-
Some opponents attacked his moderate views and his willingness to accept campaign donations from big oil companies like Chevron.—
National Correspondent,
Los Angeles Times,
7 June 2026
-
Sand, who was unopposed on the primary ballot, learned who his opponent would be after Tuesday’s primary settled an unpredictable five-way Republican contest.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 June 2026
Noun
-
These are mostly just for show and style points though, as Lobo is capable of taking down almost any foe with his bare hands.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
6 June 2026
-
The Noises had to face Shoreline Conference foe Coginchaug, the 21st seed, for the fourth time in a Class S softball quarterfinal game.—
Lori Riley,
Hartford Courant,
5 June 2026
Noun
-
During the recent demonstration test, the Bird of Prey took off from a launch cradle, and once in the air was able to autonomously search for, detect, and classify a target drone standing in for a hostile.—
David Szondy
April 04,
New Atlas,
4 Apr. 2026
-
But no one has just been out-and-out hostile to him.—
Matthew Stolle,
Twin Cities,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Enemy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enemy. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
