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

Blanche’s immediate predecessor, Pam Bondi, was ousted in April after failing to deliver successful prosecutions against the president’s political enemies.

— Alanna Durkin Richer, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Rather than law enforcement authorities like the Coast Guard having to seize a vessel under civil seizure laws, the Department of Defense, usually through military force, can seize an enemy vessel instead.

— Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of enemy

Noun

The designation, which meant no part of the Pentagon including contractors could work with Anthropic’s products, had previously been used only for companies seen as connected to foreign adversaries.

— Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
And who knows — maybe friends like NATO and adversaries around the world would chip in to help.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of adversary

Noun

Species once seen primarily as competitors or antagonists have turned out to be mutualists, with both parties benefiting.

— Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
Orexin antagonists were developed as a treatment for insomnia, differing from conventional sleeping pills that induce sedation.

— Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of antagonist

Noun

Only five of their 2026 opponents had winning records last season, and their nine league opponents combined for a 28-53 record against Big Ten foes.

— Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
But this season, their division foes haven’t gotten any easier, and the rest of the league is out to test whether quarterback Sam Darnold can maintain last season’s star-worthy production.

— NBC Sports, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of foe

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ill will

ill-wisher

ill-wishers

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“Ill-wisher.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ill-wisher. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of ill-wisher

noun

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