1
as in vigilante
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 punishment
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in curse
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 nemesis
Robbie was stabbed by his Dark Hearts nemesis Jayson (Sam Keeley) and ultimately bled out in the car as Tom (Mark Ruffalo) attempted to rush him to the hospital.
—
Megan McCluskey, Time, 13 Oct. 2025
Jordan Binnington’s arch-nemesis, Ryan Hartman, scored two goals to give him nine in his career against the Blues goalie and won 10 of 14 faceoffs.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Her nemesis dispatches Ares to retrieve the code and eliminate the carrier.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2025
Critics on social media accused Meghan of insensitivity and the story featured on the front page of the Sussexes' old tabloid nemesis, the .
—Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nemesis
Megan McCluskey, Time, 13 Oct. 2025
Jordan Binnington’s arch-nemesis, Ryan Hartman, scored two goals to give him nine in his career against the Blues goalie and won 10 of 14 faceoffs.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Her nemesis dispatches Ares to retrieve the code and eliminate the carrier.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2025
Critics on social media accused Meghan of insensitivity and the story featured on the front page of the Sussexes' old tabloid nemesis, the .
—Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nemesis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nemesis
Noun
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After 15 years in Isfahan, Iran, one of his sisters and her children are being forced back to Afghanistan due to mass deportations and vigilante violence against Afghans in that country — including legal residents.—
Vidushi Mishti Sharma,
Rolling Stone,
24 Oct. 2025
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His past includes stints as a radio host and beret-wearing Guardian Angels anti-crime vigilante group founder.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Hence, taking them away is an appropriate punishment.—
Helen Lewis,
The Atlantic,
25 Oct. 2025
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But if the thought of freezing cold isolation and bunk pods sounds more like punishment than adventure, Mongolia’s Gobi already offers glimpses of the otherworldly in a far more comfortable setting.—
Rosanna Philpott,
CNN Money,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
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But, because of the fragile nature of the pumpkin, Bierton understands that it’s not meant to last, which is both a blessing and a curse.—
Meredith Wilshere,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
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The pic, from director Marcel Walz and Anathema LLC, follows what happens when a carefree night of partying takes a sinister turn when a group of friends stumble upon an ancient curse and are forced to survive until dawn as a malevolent force begins hunting them.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
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When both young people meet their end the Baron saves Christina by putting Hans’ brain in Christina’s body, uniting their blurred identities in a joint thirst for revenge, creating a Gothic avenger who hunts down the aristocratic ruffians who ruined their happiness.—
Rory Doherty,
Vulture,
20 Oct. 2025
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Kirk had been building his reputation as an imperious, right-wing avenger on college campuses, debating anyone willing to step up to the microphone to challenge him.—
Michael Luo,
New Yorker,
28 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Melissa’s extreme threats Jamaica and Haiti are expected to feel the worst of Melissa’s wrath in the coming days, but surrounding countries cannot let their guards down.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
24 Oct. 2025
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This disease shall hold me back no longer, the world will know my wrath.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
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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
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Those four words that my husband asks almost every day are the bane of my existence.—
Sari Hitchins,
Parents,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Montgomery has barely been in the big leagues for two months but has already put his name alongside a couple of franchise icons (and another hard-core punisher of baseballs).—
Phil Rogers,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The penalty gave the Chiefs a fresh set of downs at their own 40 — and two plays later, Travis Kelce took the ball 38 yards down the right sideline.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
28 Oct. 2025
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The lawsuit also calls for the companies to pay civil penalties to the state in the amount of $10,000 per violation.—
Jacqueline Howard,
CNN Money,
28 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nemesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nemesis. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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