ILL-WISHER Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

ill-wisher

noun

Definition of ill-wisher

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

Noun

Slota’s online footprint shows a history of endorsing violence against political enemies, training with firearms, and inviting other leftists to prepare for possible armed conflict before his arrest, a Washington Examiner review found.

— Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026
Dexter will also battle a new, unexpected enemy — a mid-life crisis — as Harrison (Alcott) continues his own pursuit of justice as father and son face their darkest chapter yet.

— Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of enemy

Noun

The new, bipartisan legislation to expedite the construction of energy projects—and power the AI boom—is creating strange bedfellows and opponents.

— Jordan Blum, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
After opening the season with a four game road trip — each game the first on home ice for their opponents — the Panthers fell 4-1 to the Minnesota Wild on Saturday in their first game of the 2026-27 season at Amerant Bank Arena.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of opponent

Noun

Together, they are designed to detect signals, analyze their characteristics, and generate electronic effects to interfere with adversary communications.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
Some commentators have argued that the bombings and multiple ceasefires actually strengthen American credibility by demonstrating American deterrence capabilities and resolve toward adversaries.

— Christopher Nichols, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of adversary

Noun

Márquez was a chief protagonist — or antagonist, depending on your perspective — during his days as captain of Mexico.

— Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Despite Nas emerging as one of the season’s primary antagonists, Kelly doesn’t necessarily view him as a straightforward villain.

— Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of antagonist

Noun

Familiar foes The Dodgers and Brewers are meeting in the postseason for the fourth time — all since 2018.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
With a 4-3 loss in Game 3 of the 2026 ALDS, the Yankees’ season ended with an AL East foe partying at their place once again on Wednesday.

— Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of foe

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Style

“Ill-wisher.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ill-wisher. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of ill-wisher

noun

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