ill-wisher

noun

Definition of ill-wishernext
as in enemy

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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 ill-wisher As a small country with many ill-wishers, surrounded by militias that clamor for its destruction, Israel often feels itself under siege and classifies any action against it as an unforgivable betrayal. — Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 27 Nov. 2024 Kadyrov denies rights abuses, saying such allegations are fabricated by ill-wishers trying to discredit Chechnya and its authorities. — Reuters, NBC News, 5 July 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ill-wisher
  1. enemy
  2. opponent
  3. hostile
  4. adversary
  5. antagonist
  6. foe
Noun
  • The gunplay is punchy and satisfying; Jun and their NPC companions are more agile; and the arsenal of both sci-fi weapons and ancient powers (magic in a sci-fi trench coat) gives players a richer selection of tools to neutralize enemies with.
    — Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Who could have guessed that their worst enemy would hail not from across the border but from the skies?
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 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
  • His target audience, Cardoza said, is not the small AI filmmaking community but general viewers, including some hostile to the method.
    — Maureen Kerr, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • California is often tagged as a hostile to business due to high taxes and regulations.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of hostile
Noun
  • Continue reading … SILICON STANDOFF — US adversary turns up the heat on America’s AI lead with an underestimated edge.
    — , FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The sinking of the flagship Moskva, for example, showed that even a ship equipped with layered air defenses was vulnerable to an adversary’s kill chain.
    — HOLMES LIAO, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of adversary
Noun
  • Companion legislation would require school districts, public libraries, and other educational institutions statewide to stock opioid antagonists onsite.
    — Nathalia Fernandez, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026
  • In Season 6, fans honed in on Andrea Carmona, quickly labeling her as an antagonist.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of antagonist
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
Definition of foe

Browse Nearby Words

ill will
ill-wisher
ill-wishers
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Cite this Entry

“Ill-wisher.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ill-wisher. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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