as in hostile
marked by opposition or ill will
there was a long history of adversary dealings between the two nations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in enemy
one that is hostile toward another
our old cat seemed to consider the new kitten an adversary
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in opponent
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 adversary
Dan Morse, Alex Horton, Anchorage Daily News, 30 Sep. 2022
At the same time, Trump's tirades against trade deals with nations like China played into a belief among many people that such pacts had hollowed out the American dream, while building middle classes lives for citizens of adversary nations.
—Stephen Collinson, CNN, 28 Sep. 2017
Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
Minimizing that risk sometimes allowed U.S. adversaries to predict and even dictate the tempo of these interactions.
—Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for adversary
Adjective
Such sensitive information, along with financial information and private messages, is helpful for adversary intelligence agencies to use as leverage for blackmail or coercion.
—Dan Morse, Alex Horton, Anchorage Daily News, 30 Sep. 2022
At the same time, Trump's tirades against trade deals with nations like China played into a belief among many people that such pacts had hollowed out the American dream, while building middle classes lives for citizens of adversary nations.
—Stephen Collinson, CNN, 28 Sep. 2017
Noun
The Northern Mariana Islands and Guam, a major U.S. military hub located some 100 miles to the south, form part of the second island chain, a U.S. defense concept that seeks to contain America's adversaries such as China in the Western Pacific Ocean.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
Minimizing that risk sometimes allowed U.S. adversaries to predict and even dictate the tempo of these interactions.
—Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for adversary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversary
Adjective
-
In a notable thawing of tensions between Russia and the U.S., Trump even promised to visit Moscow, and said Putin would be welcome in Washington, D.C. The president has also become increasingly hostile toward Ukraine.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
20 Feb. 2025
-
China’s relentless nuclear buildup, its hostile espionage operations, its militant rhetoric, and, above all, its support for Russia suggest that Xi has already made his call and that a confrontation with the United States is inevitable.—
Sergey Radchenko,
Foreign Affairs,
18 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Do Trump and Vance and their administration regard Ukraine as an ally and Putin’s Russia as an enemy?—
Jay Nordlinger,
National Review,
18 Feb. 2025
-
At the conclusion of the Spanish Civil War (1936-39), dictator Francisco Franco declared victory and punished everyone who had opposed him: imprisonment or execution for those at the top of his enemies list and a purge in employment possibilities for others.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The big picture: The legislation is driving a deep wedge between the Democratic Party and the restaurant industry with supporters and opponents on both sides.—
John Frank,
Axios,
27 Feb. 2025
-
Previously announced for the show include WWE United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura defending against LA Knight and WWE Women's United States Champion Chelsea Green vs. an unknown opponent that will be revealed ahead of the show.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
So the reality is, investors should expect negative economic events like recessions to occur periodically throughout their lifetimes, and use that knowledge to plan ahead.—
Kristin McKenna,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
-
In the first two seasons, the panel tried not to comment on anything negative.—
Lily Ford,
The Hollywood Reporter,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Trump is also a fan of dramatic videos and social media posts that depict him and his allies dominating their foes.—
Dan Mangan,
CNBC,
18 Feb. 2025
-
With the finalists determined after Canada beat Finland 5-3 on Monday and the U.S. secured its spot with a 3-1 win over Canada on Saturday, there is plenty of hype, both among star players and eager fans, heading into the battle between the North American foes.—
Alex Andrejev,
The Athletic,
18 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Their rivals Celtic are on course to win the 13th title out of the last 14, with Rangers’ only triumph coming in 2020-21.—
Jordan Campbell,
The Athletic,
21 Feb. 2025
-
Just two seconds after the opening puck drop, the Florida Panthers left wing, Matthew, dropped the gloves with his cross-state rival, Brandon Hagel of the Tampa Bay Lightning.—
Carol Schram,
Forbes,
21 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Adversary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversary. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share