1
as in vigilantes
one who inflicts punishment in return for an injury or offense
Batman is the Joker's main nemesis and always foils his wicked plots
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in punishments
suffering, loss, or hardship imposed in response to a crime or offense
social ostracism was once society's nemesis for those who defied its sexual mores
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in curses
a source of harm or misfortune
irrationality is the nemesis of democracy, for good government depends upon the wisdom of the electorate
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nemeses
With a brief mini-break in the rearview mirror, the Charlotte Hornets got back to action Thursday night, taking on one of their nemeses in the Southeast Division.
—
Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 19 Dec. 2025
There’s talk of death and murder (comically), and many nemeses are intent on destroying each other.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 8 Dec. 2025
Separately, Miranda gives a courtesy notice to all nemeses of Whitney that Whitney may attend her upcoming birthday party.
—Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2025
The Nevermore kids soon encounter their ideal nemeses in a troop of normie paramilitary Boy Scout types who’ve reserved the camp for the same days.
—Judy Berman, Time, 6 Aug. 2025
Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 19 Dec. 2025
There’s talk of death and murder (comically), and many nemeses are intent on destroying each other.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 8 Dec. 2025
Separately, Miranda gives a courtesy notice to all nemeses of Whitney that Whitney may attend her upcoming birthday party.
—Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2025
The Nevermore kids soon encounter their ideal nemeses in a troop of normie paramilitary Boy Scout types who’ve reserved the camp for the same days.
—Judy Berman, Time, 6 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nemeses
Noun
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But Grainier’s defining quality translates to inaction when a group of vigilantes attacks one of his co-workers.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
24 Nov. 2025
-
But vigilantes aren't the answer.—
Bryce Buyakie,
IndyStar,
20 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The investigation led to punishments for Mass State Police detectives, and the feds opened a probe into the county’s murder investigation.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
12 Jan. 2026
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Zanelli has the right to respond to the charges and could have a public trial before the Court of Judicial Discipline, which could determine if the charges were proven and what punishments to levy.—
Joe Brandt,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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In Jujutsu Kaisen, heroic jujutsu sorcerers wage war against demonic creatures called curses and the curse users, who wield jujutsu powers for evil.—
Eric Vilas-Boas,
Vulture,
1 Jan. 2026
-
And as relief from one of the greatest curses imaginable – chronic pain – the neuro-key may offer pain modulation without the expense, side effects, and addiction risk of opioids and systemic drugs.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
29 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
The game was especially chippy, as the teams combined for 21 penalties, totaling 78 minutes.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
13 Jan. 2026
-
If force is used, resisting arrest can be charged as a Class A misdemeanor, which carries penalties of up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The Los Angeles Police Department could not immediately provide details of his arrest, but NBC4 reported that Sutherland allegedly got into an altercation with a ride-hailing driver, and was booked on suspicion of criminal threats.—
City News Service,
Daily News,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Arechiga’s mother had also filed a restraining order against her son due to threats, but it was later dropped when no one showed up in court for the follow-up hearing on the request, according to court records.—
City News Service,
Oc Register,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The actresses play the delightful mother-daughter duo Angela and Ainsley — who are oftentimes the banes of Tommy's (Billy Bob Thornton) existence — in the Taylor Sheridan series.—
Julia Moore,
PEOPLE,
28 Dec. 2025
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But along with ready cash, the laissez-faire approach brought the banes of corruption, criminal infiltration, and rampant pollution.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
15 Oct. 2025
Noun
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His job is to help fight these teeny-tiny menaces.—
John Metcalfe,
Mercury News,
7 Nov. 2025
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Perhaps the most familiar trope of Scooby-Doo stories is the resolution, where our investigators unmask the human villains who are menaces dressed as monsters.—
Chris Snellgrove,
Entertainment Weekly,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nemeses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nemeses. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
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