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
  • The second was when Lula, in response, called Flávio Bolsonaro a vigilante, in a reference to groups linked to policemen that are operating in poor communities in Rio de Janeiro.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Shots then show the lives of five women all identified as Alice disrupted as vigilante groups storm their homes.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of vigilante
Noun
  • Hollywood Park sees that as punishment for challenging the billboard deal.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The team was fined $30 million and lost five consecutive draft picks from 2029 through 2033 as punishment.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of punishment
Noun
  • But while social media debates on whether a Glee-boot is a blessing or a curse, the former cast is dusting off their sequin hats.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Embedding nature in the wider business The breadth of nature is a blessing and a curse.
    — Bella Webb, Vogue, 22 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
  • El Salvador President Nayib Bukele is demanding the release of four Salvadoran military personnel ambushed by an armed gang in Haiti, warning that the gangs would face his wrath if the men are not returned alive and unharmed.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
  • 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
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 company has suffered from several high-profile legal blows this year that have resulted in multibillion-dollar penalties.
    — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Interest on the penalty would accrue during an appeal, but the number of violations Meta is charged with could be reduced.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nemesis

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