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

Yet Hathaway holds her own against her legendary onscreen foe. — Chris Bellamy, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Aug. 2026

His political foes described the move as a stunt and opted against standing a candidate. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

The good guys protecting us from people who want to work and live here will continue their morally upright quest by electrocuting their foes into submission. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 12 Aug. 2026

Two historic Eastern Conference foes tipping off a new season, with the presumption of a marquee matchup to follow the same evening, would be a standard move for the league. — Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026