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

David is a hunted outlaw, forced to hide among his enemies and live yet another dangerous lie.

— Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2026
Underwood and Shires shook the long, forceful handshake of bitter enemies.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026

Definition of enemy

Noun

Ronaldo’s elbow looked far more intentional, and egregious, than Balogun’s play that happened in the context of a player battling for a ball against an opponent with his foot.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026
Other opponents include Planned Parenthood, the California School Boards Assn.

— Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of opponent

Noun

Energy costs, vanishing federal subsidies and an administration in Washington hostile to clean energy are giving officials reasons to retreat from efforts to deal with climate change and the political cover to do so.

— Andres Clarens, The Conversation, 17 June 2026
During the recent demonstration test, the Bird of Prey took off from a launch cradle, and once in the air was able to autonomously search for, detect, and classify a target drone standing in for a hostile.

— David Szondy April 04, New Atlas, 4 Apr. 2026

Definition of hostile

Noun

The airbender Tagah, who appears to be an antagonist, reminds me of Zaheer from The Legend of Korra a little bit.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
The semiquincentennial of our country is the perfect time for liberals to reclaim natural law and not cede it to their antagonists.

— Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 2 July 2026

Definition of antagonist

Noun

The millions of mourners at the funeral of the Iranian leader Ayatollah ‌Ali Khamenei, who was killed on the first day of the war, may have put pressure on the regime to show resolve against the nation’s long-standing foes.

— Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
One of the most high-profile and controversial figures in British politics, Farage has had an outsized effect as a champion of leaving the European Union and foe of large-scale immigration.

— Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

Definition of foe

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Style

“Ill-wisher.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ill-wisher. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of ill-wisher

noun

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