as in hostile
marked by opposition or ill will
there was a long history of adversary dealings between the two nations
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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
Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 13 June 2025
The gift Trump never meant to give: the spotlight to Democratic adversary Gavin Newsom, writes columnist George Skelton.
—Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 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 White House stance may have sent mixed messages to geopolitical adversaries, including Iran as well as China, North Korea and especially Russia, which appears to be snubbing Trump’s effort to forge a peace deal in Ukraine.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 13 June 2025
The gift Trump never meant to give: the spotlight to Democratic adversary Gavin Newsom, writes columnist George Skelton.
—Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for adversary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversary
Adjective
-
The crowd was right on top of you there, the students rimmed the court, the very definition of a hostile environment.—
Jim Calhoun with Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
8 June 2025
-
That’s coupled with a more hostile political environment for diversity-forward businesses.—
Phoebe Liu,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
Noun
-
Watch Prey on Hulu Predator The original Predator movie is set in the present day (which would be 1987) and follows a paramilitary rescue team who quickly discovers that rebel forces in the South American jungle aren’t their most dangerous enemy.—
Keith Langston,
People.com,
6 June 2025
-
As the resupply convoys approach the forward locations, they are frequently targeted and destroyed by enemy drones.—
Vikram Mittal,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
The parade stirred up controversy for what opponents view as a politicization of the nation's armed forces and a break from U.S. democratic norms, and sparked an organized No Kings protest movement across the country on Saturday.—
Alana Wise,
NPR,
15 June 2025
-
McNabb impressively suppressed opponents’ ability to generate shots and scoring chances despite playing difficult matchup minutes, with the Golden Knights surrendering just 1.79 goals against per 60 during his five-on-five shifts.—
Harman Dayal,
New York Times,
15 June 2025
Adjective
-
The Trump administration crafted the new proclamation to overcome legal challenges and negative news stories.—
Stuart Anderson,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
-
Father’s Day weekend was celebratory for some dads in the world, and negative for others.—
Armon Sadler,
VIBE.com,
16 June 2025
Noun
-
Eventually, even the foes of the tolling will realize that Prof. Vickrey was correct and that everyone is better off.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
6 June 2025
-
The Spartans swept all three foes by 7-0 scores to become the first school in league history to win four consecutive state tennis crowns.—
Dave Wright,
Twin Cities,
5 June 2025
Noun
-
After beginning the year as the most valuable company in the world, Apple now ranks third behind longtime rival Microsoft, another AI leader, and AI chipmaker Nvidia.—
Michael Liedtke,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2025
-
The Royals entered the three-game series having won 10 consecutive games against their American League Central rivals.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
8 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Adversary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversary. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
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