ILL-WISHER Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

ill-wisher

noun

Definition of ill-wisher

as in enemy

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of ill-wisher As a small country with many ill-wishers, surrounded by militias that clamor for its destruction, Israel often feels itself under siege and classifies any action against it as an unforgivable betrayal. — Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 27 Nov. 2024 Kadyrov denies rights abuses, saying such allegations are fabricated by ill-wishers trying to discredit Chechnya and its authorities. — Reuters, NBC News, 5 July 2023

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ill-wisher

Noun

For his druggy riff on Big Daddy, Firstman recruited former enemies, current friends, and a variety of other personalities from New York’s LGBTQ+ party scene.

— Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 25 Sep. 2026
Ali’s mournful assassin is trying to stay one step ahead of his enemies and, likewise, the movie fights like hell to elude conventionality.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of enemy

Noun

The Bears slightly outgained the Seminoles 115-112 in the second half, holding their opponents to 13 fourth-quarter yards.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026
Mayor Karen Bass, Raman’s opponent, did not seek the endorsement, saying she was not aligned with some of the group’s positions.

— David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of opponent

Noun

Macmillan led a close American ally; Xi leads America’s paramount adversary.

— Andy Browne, semafor.com, 26 Sep. 2026
The plan warns of hacking, software vulnerabilities and physical threats but offers few specifics about foreign adversaries or whether CISA has enough staff to help local officials.

— Ali Swenson, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of adversary

Noun

The fictional residence in the 1950s film was the brainchild of production designer Robert Boyle and was named for the movie’s antagonist, Phillip Vandamm, played by actor James Mason.

— Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 15 Sep. 2026
Mahomes has largely been a Broncos antagonist since making his first NFL start in Denver to close the 2017 season.

— Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of antagonist

Noun

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
Rebel fighters forge a coalition 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, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of foe

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ill-wisher

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Style

“Ill-wisher.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ill-wisher. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of ill-wisher

noun

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