1. Definition of “Adversaries”
“Adversaries” is the plural form of the noun “adversary.” An adversary is a person, group, or force that opposes or contends with another. It implies a relationship of conflict or competition. For example, “In a courtroom, the prosecutor and the defense attorney are adversaries.”
2. Synonyms
- Opponents
- “Opponents” refers to those who oppose or compete against someone or something. For example, “The two boxing opponents faced each other in the ring.” It is very similar to “adversaries” as it emphasizes the opposing side in a conflict, competition, or debate. The difference is that “opponents” can be a more general term and may not carry the same connotation of hostility as “adversaries.” In a sports context, for example, opponents can have a more friendly rivalry.
- Antagonists
- “Antagonists” are people who actively oppose or are hostile to another. For example, “The story's protagonist had to face many antagonists on his journey.” This is closely related to “adversaries” and often implies a more combative or negative relationship. “Antagonists” tend to be more forceful in their opposition and may actively try to thwart the other party, similar to how “adversaries” engage in conflict.
- Contestants
- “Contestants” are individuals who take part in a contest or competition. For example, “The contestants in the spelling bee were all very talented.” While it doesn't have the same sense of inherent conflict as “adversaries,” in a competitive context, contestants can be seen as opponents to each other. The focus of “contestants” is more on the participation in a competition, while “adversaries” emphasizes the adversarial relationship.
- Rivals
- “Rivals” are people or groups who compete with another for the same objective or position. For example, “The two companies are rivals in the smartphone market.” “Rivals” is similar to “adversaries” in that it implies competition and a certain degree of opposition. However, “rivals” can also suggest a more long - standing or ongoing competition, often in a business or sports context, and may not always involve the same level of active conflict as “adversaries.”