Synonym Study

• Foe , now a somewhat literary synonym for enemy , connotes more active hostility
• Enemy may imply actual hatred in the opponent and a desire to injure, or it may simply refer to any member of the opposing group, nation, etc. in a conflict, whether or not there is personal animosity or hostility involved
• Adversary usually suggests actual hostility in the conflict
• Antagonist implies more active opposition, esp. in a struggle for control or power
• Opponent , an unemotional word, refers to anyone who is opposed to one, as in a fight, game, contest, or debate