as in hostile
marked by opposition or ill will
there was a long history of adversary dealings between the two nations
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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
Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
Minimizing that risk sometimes allowed U.S. adversaries to predict and even dictate the tempo of these interactions.
—Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 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 Northern Mariana Islands and Guam, a major U.S. military hub located some 100 miles to the south, form part of the second island chain, a U.S. defense concept that seeks to contain America's adversaries such as China in the Western Pacific Ocean.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
Minimizing that risk sometimes allowed U.S. adversaries to predict and even dictate the tempo of these interactions.
—Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for adversary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversary
Adjective
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The set-up has grown increasingly hostile over time, and became an impassible roadblock when the Lerner family tried to sell the Nationals back in 2022.—
Scott Soshnick,
Sportico.com,
4 Mar. 2025
-
Prince overcame the hostile environment and kept TCU afloat during the first quarter when the Horned Frogs struggled to find their footing offensively.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Republicans are comparably less inclined to see it as an enemy than are Americans overall.—
Anthony Salvanto,
CBS News,
2 Mar. 2025
-
Cozzi, from Rush University Medical Center, described the MMR vaccine as a shield and measles as an enemy trying to pierce the shield with arrows.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
1 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Previously announced for the show include WWE United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura defending against LA Knight and WWE Women's United States Champion Chelsea Green vs. an unknown opponent that will be revealed ahead of the show.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
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But the Terps lost for the first time in five games and slipped to 16-2 this winter at Xfinity Center, falling at home to a league opponent for the first time this season and losing at home for the first time since a 78-74 setback to then-No. 15 Marquette on Nov. 15.—
Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Studies show that low self-concept clarity—when individuals lack a clear and stable understanding of themselves—is linked to various negative psychological outcomes like higher levels of anxiety, depression and loneliness as well as less satisfying relationships.—
Dale Whelehan,
TIME,
28 Feb. 2025
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Consumers deciding to ‘sit it out and wait’ At first glance, January’s spending slump, the first negative monthly reading in nearly two years, appears to substantiate an increasingly unsettling picture of the economic outlook.—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti will make at least four changes when his team faces crosstown foe Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday.—
Tom Sanderson,
Forbes,
4 Mar. 2025
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Cathedral has outscored its two regional playoff foes 32-8 overall to reach its second SoCal title contest.—
Glae Thien,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Their rivals Celtic are on course to win the 13th title out of the last 14, with Rangers’ only triumph coming in 2020-21.—
Jordan Campbell,
The Athletic,
21 Feb. 2025
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Just two seconds after the opening puck drop, the Florida Panthers left wing, Matthew, dropped the gloves with his cross-state rival, Brandon Hagel of the Tampa Bay Lightning.—
Carol Schram,
Forbes,
21 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Adversary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversary. Accessed 8 Mar. 2025.
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