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
Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 30 May 2025
The Trump administration may not fully appreciate the depth of the bond between America’s adversaries.
—Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 30 May 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 Securities and Exchange Commission, which has been long viewed as the industry’s top adversary, has begun dismantling its enforcement-first framework, clearing the way for greater institutional participation in crypto.
—Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 30 May 2025
The Trump administration may not fully appreciate the depth of the bond between America’s adversaries.
—Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for adversary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversary
Adjective
-
That’s coupled with a more hostile political environment for diversity-forward businesses.—
Phoebe Liu,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
-
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
Noun
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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
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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
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His main opponent, former radio host Bill Spadea, has painted himself as a Trump loyalist.—
Savannah Kuchar,
USA Today,
3 June 2025
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Rothstein reported that the game will take place on Black Friday, Nov. 28, adding yet another high-major opponent to the monster nonconference schedule Dan Hurley and staff are putting together.—
Joe Arruda,
Hartford Courant,
2 June 2025
Adjective
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There also exist aspects of their past which would become political fodder in the hands of any opponent’s negative campaign.—
Judith Martin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 June 2025
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There is no denying that tariffs come with a net negative cost to the consumer and economic surplus overall.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
4 June 2025
Noun
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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
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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
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The Braves will play Trinity League rival Santa Margarita in Friday’s 7 p.m. Division 1 championship game at Cal State Fullerton.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
28 May 2025
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Meanwhile, Alex closed the season by proposing a merger between her struggling network, UBA, and its rival, NBN, after discovering that tech powerhouse and potential UBA buyer Paul was spying on her co-workers.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
28 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Adversary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversary. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.
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