adversary

[ ad-ver-ser-ee ]

noun

, plural ad·ver·sar·ies.

1. a person, group, or force that opposes or attacks; opponent; enemy; foe.

   Antonyms: ally

2. a person, group, etc., that is an opponent in a contest; contestant.
3. the Adversary, the devil; Satan.

adjective

1. of or relating to an adversary.
2. involving adversaries, as plaintiff and defendant in a legal proceeding:

   an adversary trial.

adversary

/ ˈædvəsərɪ /

noun

1. a person or group that is hostile to someone; enemy
2. an opposing contestant in a game or sport

adjective

1. the US term for adversarial

Other Words From

• adver·sari·ness noun
• nonad·ver·sari·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of adversary¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English adversarie, from Latin adversārius; equivalent to adverse + -ary; replacing Middle English adversere, from Anglo-French

Word History and Origins

Origin of adversary¹

C14: from Latin adversārius, from adversus against. See adverse

Synonym Study

Adversary, antagonist mean a person or a group contending against another. Adversary suggests an enemy who fights determinedly, continuously, and relentlessly: a formidable adversary. Antagonist suggests one who, in hostile spirit, opposes another, often in a particular contest or struggle: a duel with an antagonist.

Example Sentences

Ms. Gabbard’s comments have earned her sharp rebukes from officials across the political spectrum in Washington, who have accused her of parroting the anti-American propaganda of the country’s adversaries.

From New York Times

In other words, arming Western adversaries to strike Western targets abroad is something Moscow has been considering.

From BBC

They serve their superiors reliably yet sometimes secretly, occasionally contravening their superiors' domestic interests by distorting what they tell them about bargains being struck with adversaries to hold off blood-dimmed tides.

From Salon

His nomination for secretary of state - America’s most senior diplomat - Marco Rubio, has described China as the “most advanced adversary America has ever faced”.

From BBC

He regularly accused his adversaries of exaggerating the scope of killings and other crimes.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• antagonist
• attacker
• competitor
• enemy
• foe
• opponent
• rival