nemesis

noun

ˈne-mə-səs How to pronounce nemesis (audio)
Definition of nemesisnext
1
as in vigilante
one who inflicts punishment in return for an injury or offense Batman is the Joker's main nemesis and always foils his wicked plots

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in punishment
suffering, loss, or hardship imposed in response to a crime or offense social ostracism was once society's nemesis for those who defied its sexual mores

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in curse
a source of harm or misfortune irrationality is the nemesis of democracy, for good government depends upon the wisdom of the electorate

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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 nemesis Protecting Patrick Mahomes The Raiders’ best player — and a classic Patrick Mahomes nemesis — almost played for the Baltimore Ravens this season. — Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 4 Oct. 2026 Connecticut advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals, where it was swept by the Detroit Shock, coached by Bill Laimbeer, who became Thibault’s nemesis. — Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 24 Sep. 2026 Keiko Agena played Rory’s best friend Lane, while Liza Weil played her nemesis Paris. — Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2026 At an artists’ retreat, insecure trans cartoonist Al is caught in a love triangle between his best friend and his creative nemesis—and must win his best friend’s heart by learning to draw his feelings honestly. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nemesis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nemesis
  1. vigilante
  2. punishment
  3. curse
  4. avenger
  5. wrath
  6. bane
  7. punisher
  8. penalty
Noun
  • As the group of masked vigilantes approached, several members beat Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine, who was hospitalized for her injuries.
    — Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Of late, vigilantes have been rearing their heads in the United States, Europe, and Japan.
    — RUCHIR SHARMA, Foreign Affairs, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of vigilante
Noun
  • Neither White, Belcher nor Thompson — or KU’s athletic department — risk punishment if the players compete in games.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Six states were responsible for the 31 executions in 2026 — even though 27 states still legally allow the most severe form of punishment in this country.
    — Nate Perez, NPR, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of punishment
Noun
  • For their version, which follows a young teen boy (Bean Reid’s Sam) who works to find his missing brother in a town haunted by an evil crop curse, the answer was pumpkin guts.
    — Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The money, which added up to many millions in today’s dollars, was a blessing and a curse.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of curse
Noun
  • Tresnjak and Melinda Page Hamilton frame Claire Zachanassian as a clear-eyed avenger forcing society to confront capitalism, patriarchy and power, deepening the Playhouse’s emerging sense of company and artistic risk-taking.
    — Jenelle Riley, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Speaking of that last vampire subject, this is also a great episode for Jacob Anderson in the B-plot, as Louis plays the reluctant avenger doing that loveable scoundrel Raglan James’s dirty work in two stand-out action sequences.
    — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 22 June 2026
Definition of avenger
Noun
  • While Brian rode off to war, Ellen reluctantly returned to Leoch, fully aware of the wrath awaiting her from Colum in particular.
    — Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026
  • None of these companies want to incur the wrath of this very vengeful president.
    — Nilay Patel, The Verge, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of wrath
Noun
  • Hauling crap throughout Tamriel has been the bane of many a gamer’s existence.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 9 Sep. 2026
  • In This Article Weeds are the bane of any gardener’s existence.
    — Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of bane
Noun
  • Montgomery has barely been in the big leagues for two months but has already put his name alongside a couple of franchise icons (and another hard-core punisher of baseballs).
    — Phil Rogers, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Definition of punisher
Noun
  • The fine comes days after American Express was also hit with a $350 million penalty for similar anti-money laundering shortcomings.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The Dolphins are tied for 14th in penalties (39) and 20th in penalty yards (260).
    — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of penalty

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Cite this Entry

“Nemesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nemesis. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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