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
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Recent Examples of adversaries
Today's sentencing underscores the unwavering commitment of the FBI and our partners to defending the homeland and holding accountable anyone who tries to subvert the will of American voters at the behest of our adversaries.
—
Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026
Last year, for example, the president openly directed Bondi to go after former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James — two high-profile political adversaries of the president.
—Elena Moore, NPR, 11 Feb. 2026
When the media fails to provide the meta-view, when policymakers recycle failed economic tools, and when adversaries understand American history better than Americans do, the nation becomes reactive rather than responsive, and a reactive superpower is a vulnerable one.
—Carol L. Harris, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2026
But retailers are finding ways to battle these newfound adversaries.
—Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 6 Feb. 2026
Losing that footing would weaken American influence globally and embolden adversaries.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
This approach could transform potential adversaries into advocates, giving leadership an upper hand when activist pressure mounts.
—Sam Wolf, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026
The actions come as tensions are high between the longtime adversaries.
—Konstantin Toropin, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Some countries are urging a stronger UN America’s adversaries also have shunned the board.
—Edith M. Lederer, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026
Last year, for example, the president openly directed Bondi to go after former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James — two high-profile political adversaries of the president.
—Elena Moore, NPR, 11 Feb. 2026
When the media fails to provide the meta-view, when policymakers recycle failed economic tools, and when adversaries understand American history better than Americans do, the nation becomes reactive rather than responsive, and a reactive superpower is a vulnerable one.
—Carol L. Harris, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2026
But retailers are finding ways to battle these newfound adversaries.
—Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 6 Feb. 2026
Losing that footing would weaken American influence globally and embolden adversaries.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
This approach could transform potential adversaries into advocates, giving leadership an upper hand when activist pressure mounts.
—Sam Wolf, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026
The actions come as tensions are high between the longtime adversaries.
—Konstantin Toropin, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Some countries are urging a stronger UN America’s adversaries also have shunned the board.
—Edith M. Lederer, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversaries
Noun
-
And, perhaps most importantly, we are feared by the enemies all over the globe.—
WILL WEISSERT,
Arkansas Online,
14 Feb. 2026
-
On the ice, they’re sworn enemies.—
Hannah Ryan,
CNN Money,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
As the skaters were coming back toward the line, Stoddard fell and took out three of her opponents.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
10 Feb. 2026
-
In the modern game, where so much emphasis out of possession is on forcing opponents wide and stopping them from playing through the middle of the pitch, space often opens up on the flanks.—
Stuart James,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The Hungarian midfielder had looked set to bask in the glory of being Liverpool’s match-winner against old foes Manchester City at Anfield.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Joe Schoen is on the verge of handing a Super Bowl to back-to-back NFC foes if the Seattle Seahawks topple the New England Patriots Sunday at Levi’s Stadium.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Laporta wanted to disassociate himself completely from the project and Barca’s strongest rivals before club members go to the polls.—
Laia Cervelló Herrero,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
-
The Celtics entered Sunday with a one-game lead over their Atlantic Division rivals, but the Knicks dominated this matchup, building a 20-point fourth-quarter lead before C’s head coach Joe Mazzulla pulled his starters with five minutes remaining.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
8 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Adversaries.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversaries. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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