Synonyms of foe

foe

noun

ˈfō 

1

as in enemy

one that is hostile toward another

are you friend or foe?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

2

as in opponent

one that takes a position opposite another in a competition or conflict

this Saturday our team will go up against our longtime foes in a game that will determine the champion of the conference

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of foe

If the Yankees can overcome that onslaught of left-handed pitching, another division foe awaits them in the ALDS. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 27 Sep. 2026

Tre Spivey had seven catches for 129 yards and two scores for the Wildcats (3-1) in the game between the two former Pac-12 foes. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026

This time, the TPLF appears to have mobilized widely, bringing together former foes in its stated goal of removing Abiy from power in Addis Ababa, the federal capital. — Samuel Getachew, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2026

The last thing that Canada needs is a faction that can be exploited by foes — both foreign and domestic — in an attempt to break up Canada to better control its considerable wealth. — Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026