ILL-WISHER Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

ill-wisher

noun

Definition of ill-wisher

as in enemy

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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

As part of the elite unit called the Helldivers, players must work together to protect Super Earth and defeat the enemies of mankind in an intense intergalactic war.

— Justin Kroll, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2026
But the weather was as much an enemy as the North Koreans or the Chinese.

— Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of enemy

Noun

Their ability to swiftly break into one of the world’s two leading AI labs again raises concerns about OpenAI’s security amid rising worries about powerful models being used by hackers and foreign adversaries.

— Cristina Criddle, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2026
As American leaders increasingly seek short, decisive military operations, the United States may increasingly confront adversaries that see advantages in prolonging conflicts.

— NADIA SCHADLOW, Foreign Affairs, 18 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

Known as Dick Capen to friends and foes, the publisher ventured out of his secure glass-cage office that was tucked out of sight in the Herald’s former Biscayne Bay-front headquarters.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026
The Eagles should run away with their district this season, although the Graham Steers are a formidable foe.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of foe

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ill-wisher

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“Ill-wisher.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ill-wisher. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of ill-wisher

noun

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