as in foes
one that is hostile toward another
a beloved minister with no known enemies
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Recent Examples of enemies
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
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
The reality is donors and interest groups are split, and the first rule of politics is don’t make unnecessary enemies.
—Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 24 Apr. 2026
From former enemies, friendships can blossom.
—ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026
Empires in decline take revenge on their lesser enemies.
—Carlos Manuel Alvarez, Time, 24 Apr. 2026
Hulu wants some of that Traitors hype, but instead of getting celebrities to figure out who’s a Faithful or a Traitor, all their alliances and enemies are out in the open.
—Josef Adalian, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2026
Raúl Castro, described by relatives, friends and enemies alike as a devout family man, has a particular fondness for the grandson bearing his name.
—Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2026
Well, to slander their enemies.
—Big Think, 23 Apr. 2026
Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
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
The reality is donors and interest groups are split, and the first rule of politics is don’t make unnecessary enemies.
—Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 24 Apr. 2026
From former enemies, friendships can blossom.
—ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026
Empires in decline take revenge on their lesser enemies.
—Carlos Manuel Alvarez, Time, 24 Apr. 2026
Hulu wants some of that Traitors hype, but instead of getting celebrities to figure out who’s a Faithful or a Traitor, all their alliances and enemies are out in the open.
—Josef Adalian, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2026
Raúl Castro, described by relatives, friends and enemies alike as a devout family man, has a particular fondness for the grandson bearing his name.
—Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2026
Well, to slander their enemies.
—Big Think, 23 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enemies
Noun
-
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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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
Cite this Entry
“Enemies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enemies. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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