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

Both are familiar foes, clashing on several occasions when playing for their club teams in the Premier League. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 5 July 2026

At first glance, judging friend versus foe feels simple and even necessary in the garden. — Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2026

There is so much evil and suffering in the world, so much conniving and malicious intent, and the self is, at least, a familiar foe. — Meghan O’Gieblyn, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026

With Aemond gone, Rhaenrya dragon-waltzes into King's Landing, an entry made possible by peace-seeking former foe and childhood bestie Alicent. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 29 June 2026