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
Kristen Edgreen Kaufman, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
His adversary is focused not on improved relations with Russia’s decades-long adversary, the United States, or with its current president, Donald Trump, but instead on victory in its most existential conflict since the Nazis.
—Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 18 Mar. 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
By investing in partnerships with Europe, local American leaders can create lasting bonds with our allies, boost economic growth and strengthen protection against foreign adversaries seeking to benefit from a U.S.-Europe rift.
—Kristen Edgreen Kaufman, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
His adversary is focused not on improved relations with Russia’s decades-long adversary, the United States, or with its current president, Donald Trump, but instead on victory in its most existential conflict since the Nazis.
—Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for adversary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversary
Adjective
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Andreas typically waits until there have been three instances of potential hostile communication before asking her friend or colleague if everything is OK.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
28 Mar. 2025
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Home to one of the world’s largest refugee populations – most of them from Afghanistan – Pakistan has not always welcomed the foreigners, subjecting them to hostile living conditions and threatening deportation over the years.—
Sophia Saifi,
CNN Money,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
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For entrepreneurs, perfection is the enemy of getting started, gaining traction, and ultimately building a successful business on what might be a great idea waiting for execution.—
Alexander Puutio,
Forbes.com,
26 Mar. 2025
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Signal’s President Meredith Whittaker Shares What’s Next for the Private Messaging App Over the last few years, Signal has been used by dissidents and protestors around the world who want to keep their conversations safe from political enemies or law enforcement.—
Andrew R. Chow,
Time,
26 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Barkley pointed to the quality of the opponents who defeated Auburn.—
Chantz Martin,
Fox News,
23 Mar. 2025
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Trump administration live updates: Trump rescinds security clearances for former opponents Police said an investigation is underway surrounding the circumstances of her death.—
Jack Moore,
ABC News,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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In the realm of finance, this means that positive emotions encourage strategic long-term financial planning, while negative emotions push individuals toward short-term, reactionary spending habits.—
Shane Enete,
Forbes,
24 Mar. 2025
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Among all adults, about 4 in 10 had a negative view of Ocasio-Cortez while about 3 in 10 had a positive view.—
Jonathan J. Cooper and Nicholas Riccardi,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Still, Red Sox manager Alex Cora was impressed with his Yankees foes.—
Brendan Kuty,
The Athletic,
25 Mar. 2025
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My body, equipped with the primordial fear of starvation, was a formidable foe.—
Emma Pattee,
Glamour,
25 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Then delivered a sight needing a moment to digest: Bennett celebrating the game-winner with his one-time rival.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
29 Mar. 2025
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Grapevine advances to face Argyle, a District 6-5A rival that won the district title.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Adversary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversary. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.
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