1
as in vigilante
one who inflicts punishment in return for an injury or offense
Batman is the Joker's main nemesis and always foils his wicked plots
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2
as in punishment
suffering, loss, or hardship imposed in response to a crime or offense
social ostracism was once society's nemesis for those who defied its sexual mores
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3
as in curse
a source of harm or misfortune
irrationality is the nemesis of democracy, for good government depends upon the wisdom of the electorate
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of nemesis
One of the four teams will likely fill the first wild-card spot, which means winning the Atlantic won’t be enough to avoid a first-round matchup with a recent playoff nemesis.
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Jonas Siegel, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024
As Superman's nemesis, Luthor is a villain who uses his evil brilliance to try to take him down.
—Jordana Comiter, People.com, 29 Dec. 2024
The party — run by Tarique Rahman, the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, Ms. Hasina’s arch nemesis — has chafed at being shut out of the commissions seeking to reimagine Bangladesh.
—Saif Hasnat Atul Loke, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024
If frizz is your arch nemesis, this argan oil-rich formula is your new best friend.
—Sarah Hoffmann, Allure, 22 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for nemesis 
Jonas Siegel, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024
As Superman's nemesis, Luthor is a villain who uses his evil brilliance to try to take him down.
—Jordana Comiter, People.com, 29 Dec. 2024
The party — run by Tarique Rahman, the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, Ms. Hasina’s arch nemesis — has chafed at being shut out of the commissions seeking to reimagine Bangladesh.
—Saif Hasnat Atul Loke, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024
If frizz is your arch nemesis, this argan oil-rich formula is your new best friend.
—Sarah Hoffmann, Allure, 22 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for nemesis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nemesis
Noun
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Mangione has also emerged as a symbol of the California wildfires and people's anger toward insurance companies, with many online hoping for vigilante justice against insurers.Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
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Interest rates: Tax cuts may be a tall order, if the bond vigilantes have their way.Bob Pisani,Robert Hum, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Fearing punishment for innie escape, Mark is instead received in the office as a hero.James Poniewozik, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
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Harsh punishment for traumatized children took its toll.Jazzmin Jiwa, TIME, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
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There has never been a busier time or more information available than right now, which is both a blessing and a curse.Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Jan. 2025
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The delivery app market — dominated by DoorDash, UberEats and Grubhub — seems to be a blessing and a curse for restaurant operators.Cindy Carcamo, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Her enigmatic character runs a tight ship, and anyone not towing the line will receive her explosive wrath.Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
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Moreover, Daniele De Rossi and Ivan Jurić have already felt the wrath of owners The Friedkin Group, with both coaches sacked within two months.David Ferrini, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Close losses have been the bane of their season so far, but games like Wednesday’s can help with stacking wins and quelling trade chatter, even if for just another day.James Jackson, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025
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Long and variable lead times are the bane of a manufacturing supply chain.Steve Banker, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The biggest disappointment is the penalty kill, which has been a problem for a few years now and — despite some great showings in Carolina and Washington — is 29th in the league at 70.7 percent.Michael Russo, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
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Litigation in federal court can be expensive, and penalties for violations can include paying back proceeds to the trademark holder and additional punitive fines.Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 9 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The Maryland Stadium Authority has not been made aware of any specific or credible threat impacting M&T Bank Stadium or the upcoming game, according to MSA Vice President for Public Safety and Security Vern Conaway Jr.Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 2025
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This included swiftly addressing pro-Palestine protests that threatened student safety on campus, as well as implementing statewide law enforcement training to better assess and respond to threats against Jewish communities.Beth Bailey, Fox News, 8 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Nemesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nemesis. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
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