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View synonyms for

adversary

[ ad-ver-ser-ee ]

noun

plural adversaries.
  1. a person, group, or force that opposes or attacks; opponent; enemy; foe.

    Antonyms:

  2. a person, group, etc., that is an opponent in a contest; contestant.
  3. the Adversary, the devil; Satan.


adjective

  1. of or relating to an adversary.
  2. involving adversaries, as plaintiff and defendant in a legal proceeding:

    an adversary trial.

adversary

/ ˈæ屹əəɪ /

noun

  1. a person or group that is hostile to someone; enemy
  2. an opposing contestant in a game or sport
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. the US term for adversarial
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • v·i·Ա noun
  • ԴDza··i· adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of adversary1

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English adversarie, from Latin 屹ܲ; equivalent to adverse + -ary; replacing Middle English adversere, from Anglo-French
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Word History and Origins

Origin of adversary1

C14: from Latin 屹ܲ, from adversus against. See adverse
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Synonym Study

Adversary, antagonist mean a person or a group contending against another. Adversary suggests an enemy who fights determinedly, continuously, and relentlessly: a formidable adversary. Antagonist suggests one who, in hostile spirit, opposes another, often in a particular contest or struggle: a duel with an antagonist.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Colson's roster featured a diverse group of adversaries: two Democratic congressmen, several reporters, a labor leader, as well as the actor Paul Newman.

From

For example, Vu said official statements now have fewer references to a “puppet government” in what was formerly South Vietnam, a term used to delegitimize its former adversary and denounce America’s involvement in the war.

From

So Ben's delighted Trump hit the gas immediately, imposing tariffs on countries that range from allies like Canada and Mexico to adversaries like China.

From

There is the possibility of leaders coming into contact with an adversary.

From

But analysts say Albanese's proposal is mainly aimed at protecting Australia and its partners from strategic adversaries like China.

From

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adversarialadversaryism