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Definition of frenemy

frenemy

/ˈfrɛn.ə.mi/
fren · e · my
Plural:frenemies
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frenemy Lexical Profile

frenemy Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person or group with whom one is friendly despite a fundamental dislike, rivalry, or hidden hostility.

Example

"Although they smiled for the cameras at the charity gala, everyone in the industry knew the two executives were longtime frenemies."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for frenemy

• Nearby Words

french lilac
french marigold
french toast
frenemy
frenetic
frenetically
frenzied

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-20th century as a portmanteau blending 'friend' and 'enemy', first attested in a 1953 newspaper column by Walter Winchell describing geopolitical relations between the United States and the Soviet Union.

Cite this Entry

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