enemy

noun

ˈe-nə-mē How to pronounce enemy (audio)
Definition of enemynext
as in opponent
one that is hostile toward another a beloved minister with no known enemies

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 enemy The episode reveals the formidable powers available to a president to target his enemies. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026 The Nazis and the Soviet Union led the way in leveraging propaganda, using sharply skewed information and entertainment to inspire their troops, rally the homeland, and win over—or confuse—enemy populations. — Marc Fisher, New Yorker, 30 July 2026 The ancient namesake ammunition detailed by researchers at Spain’s Autonomous University of Barcelona is only the latest example of Roman soldiers’ penchant for taunting their enemies from afar. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 July 2026 Continue reading … OPEN-SOURCE WAR — Pentagon eyes phone confiscations after footage helps enemy refine deadly strikes. — FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for enemy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enemy
  1. opponent
  2. foe
  3. hostile
Noun
  • Some opponents of the merger have argued that the deal will effectively consolidate all of March Madness under one corporate umbrella and ultimately harm competition for college sports rights.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Their assertions come on the heels of Class 6A Thomas County Central’s historic season in which the Yellow Jackets averaged nearly 54 points per game and beat every opponent by 14 or more on the way to a 15-0 season.
    — Jack Leo, AJC.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of opponent
Noun
  • Players explore a new region, collecting Pokemon and battling with friends and foes, as usual.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 30 July 2026
  • Applying this approach, AI will feel like a friend, not a foe.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of foe
Noun
  • Energy costs, vanishing federal subsidies and an administration in Washington hostile to clean energy are giving officials reasons to retreat from efforts to deal with climate change and the political cover to do so.
    — Andres Clarens, The Conversation, 17 June 2026
  • During the recent demonstration test, the Bird of Prey took off from a launch cradle, and once in the air was able to autonomously search for, detect, and classify a target drone standing in for a hostile.
    — David Szondy April 04, New Atlas, 4 Apr. 2026
Definition of hostile

Browse Nearby Words

enemies
enemy
energetic
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Cite this Entry

“Enemy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enemy. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on enemy

Nglish: Translation of enemy for Spanish Speakers

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