foe

noun

ˈfō How to pronounce foe (audio)
Definition of foenext
1
as in enemy
one that is hostile toward another are you friend or foe?

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in opponent
one that takes a position opposite another in a competition or conflict this Saturday our team will go up against our longtime foes in a game that will determine the champion of the conference

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of foe Back under Allen’s leadership, Boise State defeated conference foe New Mexico State 33-32 — the Aggies went 0-5 in conference play — before losing the final game of the season 64-19 to the Idaho Vandals. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 31 Aug. 2026 More than three decades after the wars, former Balkan foes remain divided over his role. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 Only five of their 2026 opponents had winning records last season, and their nine league opponents combined for a 28-53 record against Big Ten foes. — Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 But this season, their division foes haven’t gotten any easier, and the rest of the league is out to test whether quarterback Sam Darnold can maintain last season’s star-worthy production. — Nbc Sports, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for foe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foe
  1. enemy
  2. opponent
  3. rival
Noun
  • Blanche’s immediate predecessor, Pam Bondi, was ousted in April after failing to deliver successful prosecutions against the president’s political enemies.
    — Alanna Durkin Richer, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Rather than law enforcement authorities like the Coast Guard having to seize a vessel under civil seizure laws, the Department of Defense, usually through military force, can seize an enemy vessel instead.
    — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of enemy
Noun
  • But by defending in this way, Chelsea are giving smart opponents the advantage in the battle for possession.
    — Jon Mackenzie, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • It was scheduled after Sandburg had its original Week 2 opponent back out.
    — Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of opponent
Noun
  • Games against the division rival Sabres and Canadiens also will be televised nationally.
    — Eduardo A. Encina, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Anthropic’s primary tech industry rival, ChatGPT maker OpenAI, made its own deal to work with the Pentagon just hours after the government punished Anthropic for its stance.
    — Kaitlyn Huamani, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of rival

Browse Nearby Words

fodder
foe
foes
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Cite this Entry

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

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