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
The demonstration, which had been previously organized by a hodgepodge of activist groups after weeks of negotiations with local authorities, was otherwise peaceful — with environmentalists, women’s rights advocates, supporters of Palestinians and foes of imperialism, fascism and capitalism.
—
Jamey Keaten, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026
Activist groups including environmentalists, feminists and foes of capitalism have called for a big demonstration later Sunday.
—ABC News, 14 June 2026
The San Francisco 49ers fan base regularly does this to NFL foes.
—Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 13 June 2026
But Musk does understand the value of being out there, articulating a vision and taking risks that earn him friends and foes.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 12 June 2026
The Rays have taken advantage of surprisingly slow starts by the Blue Jays, Orioles and Red Sox to post an impressive 17-6 record against their division foes, including a remarkable, and historic, 12-0 at home, sweeping a series against each.
—Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2026
Trump has become obsessed with seeking vengeance against his political foes and has abandoned his promise to bring prices down, even mocking the nation’s affordability crisis.
—Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026
He’s unexpectedly visited by Little John (Bill Skarsgård), once one of his underage criminal accomplices, and asked to help defend the younger man’s family and homestead from vengeful past foes.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 June 2026
Bolton is one of three prominent Trump foes who were indicted in federal court during the president's second, nonconsecutive term in the White House.
—Dan Mangan, CNBC, 4 June 2026
Jamey Keaten, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026
Activist groups including environmentalists, feminists and foes of capitalism have called for a big demonstration later Sunday.
—ABC News, 14 June 2026
The San Francisco 49ers fan base regularly does this to NFL foes.
—Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 13 June 2026
But Musk does understand the value of being out there, articulating a vision and taking risks that earn him friends and foes.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 12 June 2026
The Rays have taken advantage of surprisingly slow starts by the Blue Jays, Orioles and Red Sox to post an impressive 17-6 record against their division foes, including a remarkable, and historic, 12-0 at home, sweeping a series against each.
—Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2026
Trump has become obsessed with seeking vengeance against his political foes and has abandoned his promise to bring prices down, even mocking the nation’s affordability crisis.
—Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026
He’s unexpectedly visited by Little John (Bill Skarsgård), once one of his underage criminal accomplices, and asked to help defend the younger man’s family and homestead from vengeful past foes.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 June 2026
Bolton is one of three prominent Trump foes who were indicted in federal court during the president's second, nonconsecutive term in the White House.
—Dan Mangan, CNBC, 4 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foes
Noun
-
Upon completion of the new section in 1938, Santa Fe–and Hannett’s political enemies–were cut off from the economic engine of Route 66.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
-
Who would do a series with two enemies who wanted to kill each other?—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
In recent years, opponents have felt comfortable defending their 12-personnel sets with both heavy and light personnel.—
Alec Lewis,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
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Overall, the Knicks went 16-3 in the 2026 playoffs and did so in dramatic fashion, outscoring their opponents by 283 points in those 19 games — by far the biggest single-postseason point differential in NBA history.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
15 June 2026
Noun
-
There followed a series of European successes (Italy, Spain, Germany, France) before the anguish, for Brazilians, of seeing big South American rivals Argentina win a third world title in Qatar four years ago.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
14 June 2026
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Newsday via Getty Images The Atlanta Braves entered the season expecting to face a significant challenge from their division rivals, particularly after the New York Mets revamped their own roster with several star additions.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Foes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foes. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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