1
as in enemies
one that is hostile toward another
are you friend or foe?
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in opponents
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of foes
Beijing remains an economic partner—China is the largest buyer of oil from both Iran and Russia—but Xi is otherwise reluctant to get dragged into a wider war or invite American or European sanctions by arming America’s foes in battle.
—
Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
Because this last week – which featured four games against quality foes – seemed like a good time to crank the dial.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 16 Mar. 2026
The event was marked with its usual round of roasts aimed at Boston Democrats’ political foes and each other.
—Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 15 Mar. 2026
Berg Johnsen noted Wicky’s attacking mindset and focus on dominating foes in possession.
—Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2026
Most viewers will know that the two main protagonists ultimately become foes, which lends their on-screen relationship an edge amid the banter and bonhomie.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 12 Mar. 2026
The Eastern Conference foes face each other in the regular season a fourth and final time March 24 at Cleveland.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026
Florida State has won 11 of its last 14 against conference foes since dropping its first five to start ACC play.
—ABC News, 11 Mar. 2026
The public revelation on July 16, 1973, of a taping system designed to record all the president’s conversations stunned Nixon friends and foes alike.
—Douglass K. Daniel, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
Because this last week – which featured four games against quality foes – seemed like a good time to crank the dial.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 16 Mar. 2026
The event was marked with its usual round of roasts aimed at Boston Democrats’ political foes and each other.
—Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 15 Mar. 2026
Berg Johnsen noted Wicky’s attacking mindset and focus on dominating foes in possession.
—Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2026
Most viewers will know that the two main protagonists ultimately become foes, which lends their on-screen relationship an edge amid the banter and bonhomie.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 12 Mar. 2026
The Eastern Conference foes face each other in the regular season a fourth and final time March 24 at Cleveland.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026
Florida State has won 11 of its last 14 against conference foes since dropping its first five to start ACC play.
—ABC News, 11 Mar. 2026
The public revelation on July 16, 1973, of a taping system designed to record all the president’s conversations stunned Nixon friends and foes alike.
—Douglass K. Daniel, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foes
Noun
-
But with war raging on multiple fronts and no end in sight, Israel's enemies in Iran and Lebanon may help make that decision for him.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
22 Mar. 2026
-
The inscription would have sent enemies quite an impression as it was burned into the stone with molten lead, as if daring the attackers to continue their useless advance, Live Science continues.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Despite a 31-1 record, Miami wasn’t assured of a bid due to its schedule ranking 339th nationally with no Quadrant 1 opponents.—
Jeff Wallner,
Twin Cities,
17 Mar. 2026
-
Over his first two Summer League outings, Bassey racked up 36 points, 24 rebounds and five blocks, with the Summer C’s outscoring their opponents by 35 points with the 25-year-old on the court.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Far-right politicians have lost to mainstream rivals in the southern cities of Nîmes and the port of Toulon, a major naval base on the Mediterranean, which were two key targets for the National Rally.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
23 Mar. 2026
-
This shipyard has become a symbol of American industrial decline, a money loser falling decades behind our global rivals.—
Lesley Stahl,
CBS News,
22 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Foes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foes. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.
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