frenemy

[ fren-uh-mee ]

noun

1. Informal. a person or group that is friendly toward another because the relationship brings benefits, but harbors feelings of resentment or rivalry:

   Clearly, turning the competition into frenemies is good for your business.

Word History and Origins

Origin of frenemy¹

First recorded in 1950-55; fr(iend) none + enemy none

Example Sentences

Here’s the key: River realizes that his arch frenemy and former fellow agent, Spider, was in on the sting that caught him.

From Los Angeles Times

California Gov. Gavin Newsom — long called a political frenemy of Harris, whose ascent as a Democratic star from the Bay Area paralleled his own — wrote Sunday that the vice president is “Tough. Fearless. Tenacious.”

From Los Angeles Times

Comedian Richard Lewis opens up about his frenemy status with ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ co-star Larry David.

From Los Angeles Times

Newsom graciously gives him a more dignified job: grape stomper at his vineyard, where his frenemy’s tantrums can be put to use.

From Los Angeles Times

No country has absorbed more Venezuelan migrants than Colombia, which has a long, complex and often fractious relationship with its next-door frenemy.

From Los Angeles Times