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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Miranda’s nemesis, Sydney Heron, was right — the nepo energy is strong with this one.
—
Laura Bradley, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2025
The Taylor Sheridan series’ Season 2 finale found Dwight besting his season-long nemesis Cal Thresher (played by guest star Neal McDonough) and then cutting other season-long nemesis Bill Bevilaqua (guest star Frank Grillo) a 50 percent cut of his business for killing New York mafia boss Chickie.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 18 Mar. 2025
His nemesis Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald) is back too, as is his love interest Virginia (Julie Bowen).
—Tommy McArdle, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025
Frank provides Rick with a mysterious package, presumably a pistol for when Rick finally faces his nemesis, but expresses his hope that Rick will never have to use it.
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nemesis
Laura Bradley, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2025
The Taylor Sheridan series’ Season 2 finale found Dwight besting his season-long nemesis Cal Thresher (played by guest star Neal McDonough) and then cutting other season-long nemesis Bill Bevilaqua (guest star Frank Grillo) a 50 percent cut of his business for killing New York mafia boss Chickie.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 18 Mar. 2025
His nemesis Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald) is back too, as is his love interest Virginia (Julie Bowen).
—Tommy McArdle, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025
Frank provides Rick with a mysterious package, presumably a pistol for when Rick finally faces his nemesis, but expresses his hope that Rick will never have to use it.
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nemesis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nemesis
Noun
-
Hawkeye’s Jack Duquesne (Tony Dalton), who criticizes Fisk’s vigilante obsession and status quo shake-ups, reminds him that the wealthy socialites shouldn’t be underestimated.—
Ben Rosenstock,
Vulture,
25 Mar. 2025
-
This one has Skarsgard as Eddie, a deadbeat but well-meaning dad to Sarah (Ashley Cartwright) and petty thief whose attempt to steal a luxury SUV turns into disaster because its unseen psycho vigilante owner named William (Anthony Hopkins) has rigged it so bad things happen.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
20 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Trump announced a 10 percent tariff on China in February before doubling it to 20 percent in March as punishment for fentanyl trafficking.—
Gordon G. Chang,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Janine lost her eye as punishment at the Red Center, the training facility for Handmaids.—
Alexandra Hurtado,
People.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The annual cost-of-living adjustment Social Security recipients receive is both a blessing and a curse.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2025
-
Homewood’s location on the western shore of Lake Tahoe is both a blessing and a curse.—
Megan Michelson,
Outside Online,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Not Choosing Your Trees Wisely The shade of a giant oak certainly has its appeal, but planting one on a five-foot stretch of earth separating your driveway from your neighbor’s is ill-advised and a surefire way to feel the wrath of the family who lives next door.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
29 Mar. 2025
-
Congressional Republicans were not inclined to deny Hegseth his appointment or to risk the President’s wrath.—
David Remnick,
New Yorker,
26 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Acronyms have been the bane of Newcastle United’s post-takeover existence.—
Chris Waugh,
The Athletic,
19 Feb. 2025
-
Wolfsbane is part of a larger suite of banes; compounds and derivatives include ratsbane, fleabane, and cow-bane, each name signaling a different poison.—
Laura Murphy,
JSTOR Daily,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Asensio was responsible for a second penalty miss in stoppage time but McGinn, Rogers’ 85th-minute replacement and, in some ways, mentor, stole in to bury the rebound.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
-
The penalty amounts to 5% of the taxes owed for each month that the filing is late, up to a maximum of 25%.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
As election denial, steered by Trump, ran rampant, local election workers across the country faced a barrage of violent threats, accusations of misdeeds and intense scrutiny from riled, partisan vigilantes during the 2022 midterm elections.—
Savannah Kuchar,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Combs had offered up to $50 million to wait for his trial from his home on Star Island, but prosecutors insisted the musician was a threat to witnesses and victims.—
Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nemesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nemesis. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share