1
as in vigilantes
one who inflicts punishment in return for an injury or offense
Batman is the Joker's main nemesis and always foils his wicked plots
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in punishments
suffering, loss, or hardship imposed in response to a crime or offense
social ostracism was once society's nemesis for those who defied its sexual mores
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in curses
a source of harm or misfortune
irrationality is the nemesis of democracy, for good government depends upon the wisdom of the electorate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nemeses
By fighting for fairness and equality, while simultaneously asking us to care for others with compassion and empathy (sharing this with our frenemies and nemeses will be hard, but valuable in teaching them to be kind).
—
Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 30 Jan. 2026
Lesbian agitators, such as Good, are its nemeses.
—Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 26 Jan. 2026
With a brief mini-break in the rearview mirror, the Charlotte Hornets got back to action Thursday night, taking on one of their nemeses in the Southeast Division.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 19 Dec. 2025
There’s talk of death and murder (comically), and many nemeses are intent on destroying each other.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 8 Dec. 2025
Separately, Miranda gives a courtesy notice to all nemeses of Whitney that Whitney may attend her upcoming birthday party.
—Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2025
The Nevermore kids soon encounter their ideal nemeses in a troop of normie paramilitary Boy Scout types who’ve reserved the camp for the same days.
—Judy Berman, Time, 6 Aug. 2025
Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 30 Jan. 2026
Lesbian agitators, such as Good, are its nemeses.
—Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 26 Jan. 2026
With a brief mini-break in the rearview mirror, the Charlotte Hornets got back to action Thursday night, taking on one of their nemeses in the Southeast Division.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 19 Dec. 2025
There’s talk of death and murder (comically), and many nemeses are intent on destroying each other.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 8 Dec. 2025
Separately, Miranda gives a courtesy notice to all nemeses of Whitney that Whitney may attend her upcoming birthday party.
—Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2025
The Nevermore kids soon encounter their ideal nemeses in a troop of normie paramilitary Boy Scout types who’ve reserved the camp for the same days.
—Judy Berman, Time, 6 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nemeses
Noun
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The southern United States under the Jim Crow system of segregation, for example, was governed by a form of racial fascism premised not on a single powerful leader, but on decentralized groups of vigilantes and terrorists.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Peaceful Civil Rights-era marches and protests often turned into bloody, brutal and murderous affairs, fueled by inhumane law enforcement tactics and vigilantes operating with impunity.—
Lorraine Ali,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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But studies show that punishments are ineffective at reducing substance use and can lead to poorer health outcomes for women, newborns, and families.—
Shoshana Walter,
CBS News,
10 Feb. 2026
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That left the Clintons with little choice but to agree to testify or face one of the most severe punishments Congress can give.—
Stephen Groves,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Gamers will know Brok as the beloved weapons dealer with an unrivaled artistry for creative, foul-mouthed curses.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
30 Jan. 2026
-
In Jujutsu Kaisen, heroic jujutsu sorcerers wage war against demonic creatures called curses and the curse users, who wield jujutsu powers for evil.—
Eric Vilas-Boas,
Vulture,
1 Jan. 2026
Noun
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There needs to be penalties apply to the bill, so schools will comply with the law.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
-
But Ridley said the bill’s penalties for illicit drug possession or use still would create problems for many providers.—
Robin Opsahl,
Iowa Capital Dispatch,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Trump has been outspoken about his plans to acquire Greenland, citing national security threats from Russia and China.—
Sarah Davis,
The Hill,
13 Feb. 2026
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Cyber threats, artificial intelligence, trade disruption, workforce transitions, energy security, climate pressures, human rights, labor standards and national security are inherently transnational.—
Alan H.H. Fleischmann,
Time,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The actresses play the delightful mother-daughter duo Angela and Ainsley — who are oftentimes the banes of Tommy's (Billy Bob Thornton) existence — in the Taylor Sheridan series.—
Julia Moore,
PEOPLE,
28 Dec. 2025
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But along with ready cash, the laissez-faire approach brought the banes of corruption, criminal infiltration, and rampant pollution.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
15 Oct. 2025
Noun
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But the ability to beat back our more routine pathological menaces is a good indicator of the country’s ability to take on bigger, more virulent threats.—
Vann R. Newkirk II,
The Atlantic,
9 Feb. 2026
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His job is to help fight these teeny-tiny menaces.—
John Metcalfe,
Mercury News,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nemeses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nemeses. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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