Term: adversary





Adversary (noun) /ˈæd.və.ser.i/:

  1. An enemy or opponent in a conflict, argument, or competition. LV: pretinieks, sāncensis.

Example sentences:

  1. In the final round of the tournament, he faced his oldest adversary.
  2. To win the debate, you must understand the arguments of your adversary as well as your own.

Common phrases:

  • Formidable adversary: An opponent who is very strong, brave, or skillful and difficult to defeat.”The champion realized he was up against a formidable adversary.”
  • Adversary tactics: The specific methods or maneuvers used by an opponent.”Security teams simulate adversary tactics to test their own defenses.”
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
adversary (noun)
one that with, opposes, or resists - contends enemy
adversary (adjective)
1.
of, relating to, or involving an enemy or adversary
2.
having or involving antagonistic parties or interests - opposing divorce can be an adversary proceeding
Merriam-Webster Online Thesaurus
adversary (adjective)
marked by opposition or ill will
SYNONYMS:
adversarial, adversary, antagonistic, antipathetic, inhospitable, inimical, jaundiced, mortal, negative, unfriendly, unsympathetic
RELATED WORDS:
adverse, argumentative, bellicose, belligerent, clashing, combative, conflicting, contentious, contrary, disputatious, militant, opposed, pugnacious, quarrelsome, resisting, scrappy, truculent; antisocial, cold, cool, disagreeable, disapproving, distant, frigid, icy; biased, prejudiced; discourteous, ill-bred, ill-mannered, impertinent, impolite, inconsiderate, rude, surly, uncivil, unfavorable, unkind, unmannerly, unpleasant, unsociable; acrimonious, bitter, despiteful, hateful, malevolent, malicious, malign, malignant, opprobrious, rancorous, spiteful, unloving, vindictive, virulent
NEAR ANTONYMS:
affable, amiable, amicable, civil, companionable, comradely, convivial, cordial, genial, good-natured, good-tempered, gracious, gregarious, neighborly, pleasant, sociable, social, warm; affectionate, devoted, kind, kindly, loving, nice, sweet; accepting, agreeable, approving, benign, empathetic, favorable, understanding, warmhearted, welcoming
friendly, hospitable, nonantagonistic, nonhostile, sympathetic
adversary (noun)
1.
one that is hostile toward another
SYNONYMS:
adversary, antagonist, foe, hostile, opponent
RELATED WORDS:
archenemy, archfoe, nemesis; ill-wisher; bane, bête noire; assailant, attacker, combatant, invader; competitor, emulator, rival
NEAR ANTONYMS:
buddy, chum, compadre, crony, fellow, hail-fellow, hail-fellow-well-met, hearty, hobnobber, mate, musketeer, pal; abettor ( abetter), accomplice, ally, collaborator, colleague, comrade, confederate, friendly, partner; adherent, disciple, follower; backer, benefactor, exponent, supporter, sympathizer, well-wisher
amigo, friend
adversary (noun)
2.
one that takes a position opposite another in a competition or conflict
SYNONYMS:
adversary, antagonist, foe, rival
RELATED WORDS:
equal, match; enemy; archenemy, nemesis; competitor, contestant; bane, bête noire, curse; assailant, attacker, combatant, invader
NEAR ANTONYMS:
accomplice, ally, confederate, partner; advocate, champion, exponent, proponent, supporter, sympathizer
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