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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 nemesis
Following two underwhelming seasons with some ill-fitting Orlando Magic rosters, Vogel was brought in to coach his one-time playoff nemesis, LeBron James, and the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019-20.
—
Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
There’s an understanding among DEI-advocating nonprofits that their ideological nemeses are utilizing bots to flag certain key terms in their public-facing literature.
—Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Mar. 2025
Naturally, Rand, the Dark One’s nemesis, is tops on their hit list.
—Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2025
Both qualities suggest he’ll be easily manipulated by the senior senator from his home state, who ultimately becomes Smith’s saboteur and nemesis when the scales fall from the younger man’s eyes.
—Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nemesis
Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
There’s an understanding among DEI-advocating nonprofits that their ideological nemeses are utilizing bots to flag certain key terms in their public-facing literature.
—Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Mar. 2025
Naturally, Rand, the Dark One’s nemesis, is tops on their hit list.
—Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2025
Both qualities suggest he’ll be easily manipulated by the senior senator from his home state, who ultimately becomes Smith’s saboteur and nemesis when the scales fall from the younger man’s eyes.
—Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nemesis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nemesis
Noun
-
Hawkeye’s Jack Duquesne (Tony Dalton), who criticizes Fisk’s vigilante obsession and status quo shake-ups, reminds him that the wealthy socialites shouldn’t be underestimated.—
Ben Rosenstock,
Vulture,
25 Mar. 2025
-
This one has Skarsgard as Eddie, a deadbeat but well-meaning dad to Sarah (Ashley Cartwright) and petty thief whose attempt to steal a luxury SUV turns into disaster because its unseen psycho vigilante owner named William (Anthony Hopkins) has rigged it so bad things happen.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
20 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Trump announced a 10 percent tariff on China in February before doubling it to 20 percent in March as punishment for fentanyl trafficking.—
Gordon G. Chang,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Janine lost her eye as punishment at the Red Center, the training facility for Handmaids.—
Alexandra Hurtado,
People.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The annual cost-of-living adjustment Social Security recipients receive is both a blessing and a curse.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2025
-
Homewood’s location on the western shore of Lake Tahoe is both a blessing and a curse.—
Megan Michelson,
Outside Online,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Columbia University was among the first colleges to face the wrath of Donald Trump, whose administration canceled $400 million of funding and arrested two student protesters.—
Dan Alexander,
Forbes.com,
17 Apr. 2025
-
This isn’t the first time Khan has faced the wrath of India’s Hindu right.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Acronyms have been the bane of Newcastle United’s post-takeover existence.—
Chris Waugh,
The Athletic,
19 Feb. 2025
-
Variably spelled wolf’s bane or wolfbane, wolfsbane is the common name for a poisonous plant of the genus Aconitum known to grow in alpine climates in Europe.—
Laura Murphy,
JSTOR Daily,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Asensio was responsible for a second penalty miss in stoppage time but McGinn, Rogers’ 85th-minute replacement and, in some ways, mentor, stole in to bury the rebound.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
-
The failure-to-file penalty corresponds to 5 percent of unpaid taxes per month or partial month, according to the agency, capped at 25 percent.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
As election denial, steered by Trump, ran rampant, local election workers across the country faced a barrage of violent threats, accusations of misdeeds and intense scrutiny from riled, partisan vigilantes during the 2022 midterm elections.—
Savannah Kuchar,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Combs had offered up to $50 million to wait for his trial from his home on Star Island, but prosecutors insisted the musician was a threat to witnesses and victims.—
Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nemesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nemesis. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share