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Definitions

enemy

[en-uh-mee] / ˈɛn ə mi /
NOUN
someone hated or competed against
Synonyms
STRONGEST
adversary agent antagonist attacker bandit competitor criminal detractor foe guerrilla invader murderer opponent opposition prosecutor rebel rival spy terrorist traitor villain
STRONG
assailant assassin backbiter betrayer contender defamer defiler disputant emulator falsifier informer inquisitor revolutionary saboteur slanderer traducer vilifier
WEAK
archenemy asperser bad person calumniator fifth column other side seditionist
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ally associate friend helper law police supporter
WEAK
aide assistant confidante

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The enemy will likely take his words seriously and prepare to stave off his threats.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

Anya Taylor-Joy reprises her role as Princess Peach, and Wednesday star Luis Guzmán plays Wart - the main enemy from 1988 NES game Super Mario Bros 2.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Analysts say Beijing’s reaction underlines China’s alarm at the prospect of its wartime enemy and close U.S. ally building up its defensive strength.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

Tehran has stationed contingents of the Revolutionary Guards' naval forces there, which in 2025 deployed new missile systems capable of targeting nearby "enemy bases, ships and equipment", Iranian media reported at the time.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

An entire army of boys who looked just like him, bred specifically so they could camouflage and go behind enemy lines.

From "Boy 2.0" by Tracey Baptiste

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.