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

They can be seen as the external expression of an aspect of America our true-believing enemies have learned to hate and fear.

— Robert Stone, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026
Heath Ledger’s Joker is an enemy who doesn’t play by the rules, attacking the city with no clear political goal beyond creating panic and chaos.

— Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of enemy

Noun

Another recent survey found roughly one in five Americans endorse harassment, doxxing, or even violence against their political adversaries.

— Joe Daniels, Time, 11 Sep. 2026
Such skills are a key priority of national governments, which want to service and upgrade their own satellites — and keep tabs on the activities of adversary craft.

— Mike Wall, Space.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of adversary

Noun

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
Colman, in stringy auburn hair, makes a crisply delectable antagonist (who is really, of course, on Ian’s side).

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of antagonist

Noun

Now first-year head coach Joe Brady will make his debut in a locale where Allen never has won and against a hungry foe.

— Tim Graham, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026
The 49ers and Rams had different travel plans to Australia, but the game is still a matchup between two familiar foes.

— Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 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 15 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of ill-wisher

noun

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