nemesis

noun

ˈne-mə-səs How to pronounce nemesis (audio)
Definition of nemesisnext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of nemesis Both qualities suggest he’ll be easily manipulated by the senior senator from his home state, who ultimately becomes Smith’s saboteur and nemesis when the scales fall from the younger man’s eyes. — Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025 Comedian, actor and Donald Trump nemesis Rosie O’Donnell has become the latest stand-up celebrity to flee the U.S. in the wake of the president’s reelection. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 12 Mar. 2025 The novel is a pas de trois (dance for three) starring Natalia, her partner, Alexander, and her nemesis, Dmitri. — The Know, The Denver Post, 9 Mar. 2025 Theatrics aside, the Hawks were happy to finish the homestand with a win — and damage the playoff chase for a Central Division nemesis. — Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nemesis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nemesis
  1. vigilante
  2. punishment
  3. curse
  4. wrath
  5. bane
  6. penalty
  7. threat
Noun
  • But along with this reputation came allegations that he was connected to extrajudicial killings by a well coordinated group of vigilantes.
    — Kathleen Magramo, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Today, news reports from the country of my birth cover everything from its scientists landing a spacecraft on the moon and victories in cricket to cow vigilantes lynching Muslim men on suspicion of eating beef and horrific accounts of violence to women.
    — Amitava Kumar, The New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of vigilante
Noun
  • Leadership strategies that involve coercion, and emphasize punishment, don’t feel very modern.
    — Chris Westfall, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Columbia University on Thursday announced some students who occupied a campus building last spring during anti-Israel protests would face a range of punishments, including expulsions and suspensions.
    — Louis Casiano, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of punishment
Noun
  • Then, Democrats have to be thinking about what happens if Republicans only have a mild case of the midterm curse.
    — Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Flubber can do anything, which is both a blessing and a curse for Professor Brainard.
    — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of curse
Noun
  • The film’s first trailer release sparks new backlash, this time around its stars’ political leanings Instead of enthusiasm and anticipation for the movie, Disney’s first official Snow White trailer drop incurred the wrath of fans on either side of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
    — Krystie Lee Yandoli, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2025
  • The cause of Montgomery's wrath, and of his March 30 date, is the Federal Communications Commission, which set an April 1, 2025, deadline for smaller jails to lower the obscene rates of inmate phone calls.
    — Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of wrath
Noun
  • These little piles around my home are the bane of my existence.
    — Sari Hitchins, Parents, 17 Mar. 2025
  • And then mentioned the bane of many drivers (including me), a flat tire repair kit that Tesla offers.
    — Brooke Crothers, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2025
Definition of bane
Noun
  • Utah’s Kevin Stenlund then took a high-sticking penalty in Buffalo’s offensive zone.
    — Matthew Fairburn, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The penalty was the second for Urías under the policy after a 20-game suspension in 2019.
    — Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of penalty
Noun
  • None of them know how soon the United States might resolve tensions with Canada, or make good on threats to impose a 200% tariff on EU alcohol.
    — Natasha Chen, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025
  • While the world celebrates the many ways trees and forests help sustain human and animal life, deforestation poses a significant threat to these vital ecosystems, both in the United States and abroad.
    — Alana Wise, NPR, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of threat

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Cite this Entry

“Nemesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nemesis. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of nemesis for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nemesis

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