frenemy

noun

fren·​e·​my ˈfre-nə-mē 

plural frenemies

informal : a person who is or pretends to be a friend but who is also in some ways an enemy or rival

In Hollywood, everyone has lots of frenemies, usually people who are doing comparatively well at any given moment.

—Pete Clark

In an awkward awards ceremony, Phil [Mickelson] and Tiger [Woods] stood on the 18th green together as frenemies. Phil held up the crystal trophy for the tournament title, while Tiger squirreled away a $10 million bonus for winning the FedEx Cup …

—Selena Roberts

Examples of frenemy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Other familiar faces were Anna Kendrick as Bella’s frenemy Jessica Stanley and Dakota Fanning as Volturi member Jane. —Francesca Gariano, People.com, 1 May 2025

Serena's obviously surprised to see her frenemy, who last pushed her off a train en route to Alaska. —Matt Cabral, EW.com, 29 Apr. 2025

For example, if there’s a frenemy at work, do your best to refrain from hugs, handshakes, or prolonged eye contact. —Elizabeth Pearson, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025

In his dealings with Canada, Trump has become a frenemy, too, changing the United States' relationship with a long-standing ally. —Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

blend of friend entry 1 and enemy

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for frenemy

• enemy

Kids Definition

frenemy

noun

fren·​e·​my

ˈfren-ə-mē

plural frenemies

informal : someone who pretends to be a friend but is really an enemy