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enemy Synonyms

Another word for enemy

Choosing another word for enemy depends on context, so the 23 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 4 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

A person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something.

Usage Example

"The two political rivals were bitter enemies in public, though they respected each other's intellect in private."

Strongest
foe
adversary
antagonist
Strong
opponent
nemesis
archenemy
rival
Weak
detractor

• noun (Context 2)

A hostile nation or its armed forces, especially in time of war.

Usage Example

"Intelligence reports indicated that the foe had begun withdrawing from the border region."

Strongest
foe
adversary
Strong
opposition
invader
aggressor
Weak
belligerent

• noun (Context 3)

Something that harms, weakens, or prejudices something else.

Usage Example

"Complacency is often the greatest bane of long-term academic and professional success."

Strong
bane
nemesis
undoing
ruin
destroyer
Weak
poison
curse

• adjective (Context 4)

Belonging to, characteristic of, or relating to a hostile nation, organization, or opposing military force.

Usage Example

"The diplomat negotiated safe passage across hostile territory for the humanitarian aid convoy."

Strongest
hostile
opposing
Strong
adversarial
belligerent
antagonistic
Weak
invading

Opposites of enemy

The opposite of enemy shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

friend
ally
friendly
allied
supporter
boon
comrade
confederate
See all opposites of enemy

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Enemy. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/enemy
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