1
as in enemies
one that is hostile toward another
our old cat seemed to consider the new kitten an adversary
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in opponents
one that takes a position opposite another in a competition or conflict
our adversaries in tomorrow's meet are from one of the top schools in the league
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Recent Examples of adversaries
Such a gathering could have been targeted by foreign adversaries or others with far more experience, less regard for human life and much greater firepower than Allen, experts said.
—
Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
Foreign adversaries and the Federal Reserve have begun using this phrase in official communications.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Indiana has shown the nation how to protect citizens from foreign adversaries at the state level.
—Joe Gebbia Sr, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
The old model of government procurement is being outpaced by adversaries who move at the speed of commercial technology.
—Pat Ryan, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2026
Anthropic’s supply-chain-risk designation—a label that effectively bars the military from doing business with the company, and that is typically reserved for companies with ties to foreign adversaries—was a clear example of the government flexing its muscles.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
Badger warned that Iran and other adversaries have increasingly relied on unconventional tactics.
—Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Hegseth’s decision unfortunately may have given potential adversaries a new vulnerability to exploit.
—Paul Friedrichs, STAT, 23 Apr. 2026
Analysts also say the open ocean is a safer place for the US Navy to make interdictions, with fewer neutral vessels nearby and no land masses to restrict maneuverability or conceal adversaries, as may be the case in and around the Persian Gulf.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
Foreign adversaries and the Federal Reserve have begun using this phrase in official communications.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Indiana has shown the nation how to protect citizens from foreign adversaries at the state level.
—Joe Gebbia Sr, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
The old model of government procurement is being outpaced by adversaries who move at the speed of commercial technology.
—Pat Ryan, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2026
Anthropic’s supply-chain-risk designation—a label that effectively bars the military from doing business with the company, and that is typically reserved for companies with ties to foreign adversaries—was a clear example of the government flexing its muscles.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
Badger warned that Iran and other adversaries have increasingly relied on unconventional tactics.
—Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Hegseth’s decision unfortunately may have given potential adversaries a new vulnerability to exploit.
—Paul Friedrichs, STAT, 23 Apr. 2026
Analysts also say the open ocean is a safer place for the US Navy to make interdictions, with fewer neutral vessels nearby and no land masses to restrict maneuverability or conceal adversaries, as may be the case in and around the Persian Gulf.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversaries
Noun
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In large part because the only feeling more satisfying than defeating your enemies is that of defeating your friends.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
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Nematodes and aphids, the two enemies of summer gardens, will stay away from your lettuce thanks to marigolds, but there's one more insect benefit.—
Heather Bien,
The Spruce,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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For some observers, the lesson from Hungary is that Netanyahu’s opponents should look to his own camp for a candidate to unseat him.—
Deborah Danan,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
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On the day of Lincoln’s election, the Wide Awakes patrolled polling places under the pretense of protecting democracy, while opponents viewed it as voter intimidation.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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So, future Big 12 foes, pick your poison.—
Brendan Marks,
New York Times,
24 Apr. 2026
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California’s trial attorneys and Uber — longtime courtroom foes — are officially bringing their fight to the November ballot.—
Rebecca Ellis,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Liverpool would wriggle their way back to the top of the table by March, only for the campaign to fall apart after five defeats in seven matches, a run that allowed Merseyside rivals Everton to win the league for the second time in three seasons.—
Simon Hughes,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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Colombian presidential candidate Iván Cepeda consolidated his lead in the most recent poll and would defeat both conservative rivals in a runoff scenario, five weeks ahead of the vote.—
Oscar Medina,
Bloomberg,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Adversaries.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversaries. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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