adversarial
adjective
ad·ver·sar·i·al
ˌad-vər-ˈser-ē-əl 
ˌad-və-,
-ˈse-rē-
: involving two people or two sides who oppose each other : of, relating to, or characteristic of an adversary or adversary procedures (see adversary entry 2 sense 2)
an adversarial relationship
an adversarial system of justice with prosecution and defense opposing each other
Synonyms
Examples of adversarial in a Sentence
an adversarial system of justice with prosecution and defense opposing each other
the relationship between the president and the congress should not be adversarial if anything is to get done
Recent Examples on the Web
Trust is key to a long term solution If a private equity firm (stereotyped as ruthless corporate raiders) can overcome employee skepticism and adversarial thinking, so can any company.
—
Peter Georgescu, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
However, some lawmakers, including Rep. Michael McCaul, have raised concerns that the drones could be adversarial, possibly from China.
—Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024
After all, his first term was widely regarded as the point when relations with China took an adversarial turn, and his cabinet is expected to include some of Washington’s most prominent China hawks.
—David Bach, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2025
Engaging local organizations and leaders who understand the unique challenges faced by African American families can create a more supportive and less adversarial approach to child welfare.
—Jumara Perry, Baltimore Sun, 20 Jan. 2025
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Peter Georgescu, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
However, some lawmakers, including Rep. Michael McCaul, have raised concerns that the drones could be adversarial, possibly from China.
—Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024
After all, his first term was widely regarded as the point when relations with China took an adversarial turn, and his cabinet is expected to include some of Washington’s most prominent China hawks.
—David Bach, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2025
Engaging local organizations and leaders who understand the unique challenges faced by African American families can create a more supportive and less adversarial approach to child welfare.
—Jumara Perry, Baltimore Sun, 20 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for adversarial
Dictionary Entries Near adversarial
Cite this Entry
“Adversarial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adversarial. Accessed 5 Feb. 2025.
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adversarial
adjective
ad·ver·sar·i·al
ˌad-vər-ˈser-ē-əl
: of, relating to, or characteristic of an adversary or adversary procedures : adversary
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