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
If quantum adversaries gain the upper hand, the implications for national and global economic stability could be catastrophic.
—
John Prisco, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
The biggest casualty, says Srivastava, will be the goodwill between India and the United States, built after decades of bitterness over Washington's support of India's adversaries like Pakistan.
—Omkar Khandekar, NPR, 8 Sep. 2025
The system’s continuous modernization reflects the shifting nature of naval warfare, where adversaries are increasingly fielding maneuvering anti-ship missiles, drone swarms, and asymmetric maritime threats.
—Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025
Americans deserve to know how foreign adversaries are targeting them, not just through traditional means, but through criminal networks and digital manipulation.
—Mike Kuiken, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
But a United States threatening to upend 80 years of largely successful nonproliferation policy practice and experience is creating incentives for allies and adversaries alike to look for their own nuclear insurance policies.
—Vipin Narang, Foreign Affairs, 5 Sep. 2025
Lewis’ legislation also includes several additional changes to the initiative petition process, such as a ban on foreign adversaries from contributing to or opposing ballot measures.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2025
Before Israel began a counterattack against Hezbollah in September 2024, this strategy was reckoned brilliant by Iran’s supporters and adversaries alike.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Sep. 2025
Our adversaries are betting on fracture.
—Kay Bailey Hutchison, Time, 1 Sep. 2025
John Prisco, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
The biggest casualty, says Srivastava, will be the goodwill between India and the United States, built after decades of bitterness over Washington's support of India's adversaries like Pakistan.
—Omkar Khandekar, NPR, 8 Sep. 2025
The system’s continuous modernization reflects the shifting nature of naval warfare, where adversaries are increasingly fielding maneuvering anti-ship missiles, drone swarms, and asymmetric maritime threats.
—Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025
Americans deserve to know how foreign adversaries are targeting them, not just through traditional means, but through criminal networks and digital manipulation.
—Mike Kuiken, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
But a United States threatening to upend 80 years of largely successful nonproliferation policy practice and experience is creating incentives for allies and adversaries alike to look for their own nuclear insurance policies.
—Vipin Narang, Foreign Affairs, 5 Sep. 2025
Lewis’ legislation also includes several additional changes to the initiative petition process, such as a ban on foreign adversaries from contributing to or opposing ballot measures.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2025
Before Israel began a counterattack against Hezbollah in September 2024, this strategy was reckoned brilliant by Iran’s supporters and adversaries alike.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Sep. 2025
Our adversaries are betting on fracture.
—Kay Bailey Hutchison, Time, 1 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversaries
Noun
-
Dealing with internal conflicts of identity while being threatened by external enemies is not unique to Israel.—
Ron Scherf,
Time,
5 Sep. 2025
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In the scope of housework, hard water stains are high on the list of public enemies in my home.—
Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott,
Southern Living,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Under captain Eric Brown, the GB&I team was even instructed not to help opponents search for lost balls.—
Tim Corlett,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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Through two games, the Ragin’ Cajuns have held opponents to an average of 12 points per game — a mark that’s tied for the best in the Sun Belt.—
Maddie Hartley,
Kansas City Star,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Green Bay went 1-5 against divisional foes in 2005, though, and Sherman was fired one day after the season ended.—
Rob Reischel,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
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All four of its losses came to Detroit and the Rams, a pair of excellent foes.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Over the last three years both Teck and Anglo have been takeover targets for their mining rivals, Australia’s BHP and Swiss-based Glencore.—
Tim Treadgold,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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The product launches demonstrate how Europe’s legacy manufacturers are taking the fight to their Chinese rivals, in a bid to both retain market share in the European Union and offset declining sales in China, the world’s largest car market.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Adversaries.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversaries. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
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