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
  • His death in an enemy attack plays into a powerful Shi'ite tradition of martyrdom and mourning, in which processions of flagellants beat their chests or backs.
    — Parisa Hafezi, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • The day for battle is near, many of our enemies are arming themselves.
    — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Definition of enemy
Noun
  • Ronaldo’s elbow looked far more intentional, and egregious, than Balogun’s play that happened in the context of a player battling for a ball against an opponent with his foot.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026
  • Other opponents include Planned Parenthood, the California School Boards Assn.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of opponent
Noun
  • Energy costs, vanishing federal subsidies and an administration in Washington hostile to clean energy are giving officials reasons to retreat from efforts to deal with climate change and the political cover to do so.
    — Andres Clarens, The Conversation, 17 June 2026
  • During the recent demonstration test, the Bird of Prey took off from a launch cradle, and once in the air was able to autonomously search for, detect, and classify a target drone standing in for a hostile.
    — David Szondy April 04, New Atlas, 4 Apr. 2026
Definition of hostile
Noun
  • Once Puma reached space as well, the vehicles were tasked with rapid acquisition, rendezvousing and assessment operations to simulate the interception and characterization of potential adversary spacecraft.
    — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 3 July 2026
  • After losing their cattle to disease, the two joined fellow rancher Beulah Jackson (Annette Bening), initially a major adversary, and her 10 Petal Ranch.
    — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Definition of adversary
Noun
  • The airbender Tagah, who appears to be an antagonist, reminds me of Zaheer from The Legend of Korra a little bit.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • The semiquincentennial of our country is the perfect time for liberals to reclaim natural law and not cede it to their antagonists.
    — Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 2 July 2026
Definition of antagonist
Noun
  • Unrestricted free agents Marcus Smart, 32, and Luke Kennard, 30, agreed to deals with Western Conference foes.
    — Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • There is so much evil and suffering in the world, so much conniving and malicious intent, and the self is, at least, a familiar foe.
    — Meghan O’Gieblyn, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
Definition of foe

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Ill-wisher.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ill-wisher. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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