adversaries

noun

Definition of adversariesnext
plural of adversary
1
as in enemies
one that is hostile toward another our old cat seemed to consider the new kitten an adversary

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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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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 adversaries This is where subsidy cooperation with allies and partners can help to diversify risk, share costs, and create collective protections against common adversaries. — Chad P. Bown, Foreign Affairs, 11 Mar. 2025 Our adversaries have taken advantage of the weakness of Biden and Harris to not only dump aluminum and steel into our market but also by funneling supplies into border countries such as Canada and Mexico. — Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025 This strategy was never truly put to the test, however, because the United States spent nearly three decades fighting small-scale conflicts against adversaries with little airpower. — Stacie L. Pettyjohn, Foreign Affairs, 10 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversaries
  1. enemies
  2. opponents
  3. foes
Noun
  • The Alien Enemies Act of 1798 has mainly been invoked during wartime in order for the federal government to control immigration of the United States’s enemies.
    — Ross O'Keefe, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Newsom seems to believe that regular Americans have grown tired of polarization and want to see ideological enemies find common ground.
    — Jay Caspian Kang, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of enemies
Noun
  • Many jurisdictions virtually ceased enforcing the law against dangerous, repeat offenders, while weaponizing law enforcement against political opponents like me.
    — NPR, NPR, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Rarely do Presidents mention their political opponents by name during joint sessions of Congress.
    — Nik Popli, TIME, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of opponents
Noun
  • If that's not enough, then there are even new weapons — the Master Sword, Arwing Guns, and a Chain Chomp that homes in on foes once launched.
    — Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
  • The two longtime Pac-12 foes spent their first Big Ten season fighting for pride and position — and, yes, a whole lot more.
    — Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of foes

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Cite this Entry

“Adversaries.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversaries. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of adversaries for Spanish Speakers

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