Synonyms for

Foe

Verb / fəʊ / Another word for foe — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

an enemy or opponent

Synonyms & similar words

enemy friend foeman opposition enemy opponent adversary rival opposer challenger competitor antagonist opposition contender nemesis archenemy foeman villain opposite foe-man hostile counterpart combatant adversative

Synonyms by register

Formal

adversary opponent rival

Informal

enemy bad guy nemesis

Literary

bane antagonist

Antonyms

friend ally companion confederate supporter protégé

Common collocations

  • mortal foe
  • bitter foe
  • arch foe
  • sworn foe
  • personal foe
  • common foe
  • vanquish a foe

Word family

noun foe

Usage note

Foe is a somewhat archaic term, often used in literature or to describe a deeply entrenched enemy. It carries a stronger sense of personal animosity than 'opponent'.

Example sentences

  1. The superhero's main foe was the evil villain.
  2. The two teams were fierce foes on the soccer field.
  3. She saw her former best friend as a foe after their big fight.
  4. The army had to prepare to face their foe in battle.
  5. The cat and dog were always foes, never friends.

Quotes

  • Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer. - Niccolo Machiavelli
  • The enemy of my enemy is my friend. - Arabian Proverb
  • The best way to destroy an enemy is to make him a friend. - Abraham Lincoln

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