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
Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 16 July 2025
As his commitment to democracy has disappeared, Erdogan has found common cause with the West's adversaries, including Vladimir Putin.
—Jesse Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 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
Seoul, South Korea CNN — Japan is facing its most severe security environment since World War II as three potential adversaries in East Asia – China, Russia and North Korea – ramp up military activities in the region, the country’s defense minister said Tuesday.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 16 July 2025
As his commitment to democracy has disappeared, Erdogan has found common cause with the West's adversaries, including Vladimir Putin.
—Jesse Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for adversary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversary
Adjective
-
Five days later, on July 8, an attorney for the city manager submitted a letter of potential claim against the city citing defamation, harassment and creation of a hostile work environment.—
Anita Edmondson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 July 2025
-
In early October 2022, the ruling said, McCarty filed a hostile work environment complaint with the police department.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
25 July 2025
Noun
-
They are professedly based on hunches that the enemy will attack, occupy or conquer at some future time unless the enemy is obliterated.—
Bruce Fein,
Baltimore Sun,
24 July 2025
-
Iris and Isaac’s idyll is interrupted by the enemy of all great budding romances: the truth.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
23 July 2025
Noun
-
First, opponents argued that the rule was unlawful and that Congress would need to amend the statute to implement the changes proposed by DHS in its rule.—
Stuart Anderson,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
-
The same is true of pickleball, where a skilled player with the right paddle can cause problems for an opponent.—
Martin Cizmar,
Wired News,
20 July 2025
Adjective
-
In the early films, there are very negative human examples and very positive Na’vis examples.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
22 July 2025
-
Meanwhile, the brand that actually popularized the EV, moving it from compliance car and milk float to something desirable, has fallen even further into negative territory in July.—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
22 July 2025
Noun
-
The club’s 48 points are the most league-wide, but fellow Eastern Conference foes Nashville SC and Philadelphia Union aren’t far behind.—
Jenny Catlin,
New York Times,
26 July 2025
-
Ernst said warm things about Nikki Haley, Trump’s top primary foe, but quickly backed him after Haley dropped out in 2024.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
23 July 2025
Noun
-
In the process, the land is torn apart by fierce rivals, shifting loyalties, and bloody betrayals.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
14 July 2025
-
The same could be said for other states threatened by nuclear-armed rivals.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Adversary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversary. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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