as in hostile
marked by opposition or ill will
there was a long history of adversary dealings between the two nations
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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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
Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Your main adversary in the fight to change these rules has been Speaker Johnson.
—Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 8 Apr. 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
To build political capital: Make your achievements visible (without bragging)
Connect your work to organizational priorities
Develop relationships with potential allies AND potential adversaries
Create a diverse network both inside and outside your organization
4.
—Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Your main adversary in the fight to change these rules has been Speaker Johnson.
—Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for adversary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversary
Adjective
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John Shine described to me a research trip to the hostile mountain environs of Tasmania, where snakes stay under cover except for the 20 or 30 warm days each year.—
Stephen S. Hall,
Time,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Union members shared other experiences and stories, including those of an increasingly hostile work environment for some.—
Molly Guthrey,
Twin Cities,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The character went from being Emily’s friend to becoming her enemy as the two wrestled in a love triangle with Gabriel.—
Vivian Kwarm,
New York Daily News,
18 Apr. 2025
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And what assurance shall there be that the Executive will not train its broad discretionary powers upon its political enemies?—
TIME Staff,
Time,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Just because of his style, Muhammad hasn't been much of a finisher to date in his MMA career, but he's got the kind of style that's great for breaking down opponents over time.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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Similarly, no Villa player has received as many passes in high areas, with Emery constructing a build-up style designed to funnel the ball past the opponents’ midfield and in to Rogers.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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But if your reflection is limited to replaying the negative parts of your social interactions and perpetuating feelings of shame or self-criticism, that’s less constructive, says Janeé Steele, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in Kalamazoo, Michigan.—
Seraphina Seow,
Vogue,
17 Apr. 2025
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Meanwhile, the negative effects on the economy could be significant, prompting the Fed to lower rates sooner and more sharply.—
Paul Davidson,
USA Today,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The foes have made constitutional claims, environmental claims, procedural claims.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Giant games ahead as IM plays CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals this Thursday at Vancouver and April 30 vs. the same foe in Fort Lauderdale, with an MLS home match vs. Dallas in between next Sunday.—
Greg Cote,
Miami Herald,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
In at least one case, the governor has viewed an open presidential post as an opportunity to move a rival out of Tallahassee.—
Ana Ceballos,
Miami Herald,
9 Apr. 2025
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Meanwhile, the Thunder have thrived against their conference rivals, posting a 36-13 mark.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Adversary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversary. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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