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Definition of adversarial

adversarial

/ˌæd.vɚˈsɛr.i.əl/
ad · ver · sar · i · al
Adverb:adversarially
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adversarial Lexical Profile

adversarial Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Involving or characterized by conflict, opposition, or hostility between two or more parties.

Example

"The negotiations quickly became adversarial when neither side agreed to compromise on the budget."

2

Relating to a legal system in which two opposing advocates represent their parties' case or position before an impartial judge or jury.

Example

"Common law jurisdictions rely on an adversarial system of justice to determine the facts of a case."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for adversarial

• Nearby Words

adventurousness
adverb
adverbial
adversarial
adversary
adverse
adversely

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in English from 'adversary' plus the suffix '-al', ultimately tracing back to Latin 'adversarius' (opponent, rival), from 'adversus' (turned against).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Adversarial. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/adversarial
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