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Definition of nemesis

nemesis

/ˈnɛm.ə.sɪs/
nem · e · sis
Plural:nemeses
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nemesis Lexical Profile

nemesis Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A long-standing rival or archenemy who is very difficult to defeat.

Example

"The chess grandmaster finally defeated his lifelong nemesis in the championship match."

2

An inescapable agent of someone's downfall, ruin, or retributive punishment.

Example

"Reckless financial speculation ultimately proved to be the company's nemesis."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for nemesis

• Nearby Words

nematanthus
nematode
nemesia
nemesis
nemophila
nen
nenana

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed via Latin from Ancient Greek 'Nemesis', the name of the goddess of retributive justice, derived from 'nemein' meaning 'to distribute or allot what is due'.

Cite this Entry

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