foe

1 of 2

noun

ˈfō How to pronounce foe (audio)
Synonyms of foe
1
: one who has personal enmity for another
Embrace, embrace, my Sons! be foes no more!—Alexander Pope
2
a
: an enemy in war
b
: adversary, opponent
a political foe
3
: one who opposes on principle
a foe of needless expenditures
a foe of censorship
4
: something prejudicial or injurious
a foe to health

FOE

2 of 2

abbreviation

Fraternal Order of Eagles

Synonyms of foe

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Noun

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Examples of foe in a Sentence

Noun Many considered him a foe of democracy. Her ability was acknowledged by friend and foe alike.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
So far in the 2026 primary season at least five congressional Democrats – from Texas to Colorado – who are 65 or older have lost to younger foes amid the anti-establishment revolt. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 That sense of powerlessness against an unknowable, unkillable foe. — Keith Langston, Space.com, 2 Sep. 2026 Beckham, meanwhile, will be waiting for an opportunity to help his team — no longer his old team — earn a win against an NFC East foe. — Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026 The bill grants Trump sweeping new tariff authorities that some lawmakers fear could be used to punish allies rather than foes. — Kevin Freking, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for foe

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English fo, from Old English fāh, from fāh, adjective, hostile; akin to Old High German gifēh hostile

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of foe was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing foe

Rhymes for foe

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Browse Nearby Words

fodient
foe
FOE
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Cite this Entry

“Foe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foe. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

foe

noun
ˈfō How to pronounce foe (audio)
1
: one who hates another
2
: an enemy in war
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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