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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nemesis
The only exception came with the film’s new nemesis – Sentry.
—
Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 3 May 2025
There’s real love there, even among the people who are onscreen nemeses, mortal enemies.
—Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Long-time nemesis Brad Marchand scored the winner for the Panthers on a twisted wrister that banked off Rielly before zipping past goalie Joseph Woll.
—Steve Silverman, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
His father’s been murdered by his long-time nemesis– possibly something more, the way [he and Carla] keep looking at each other….
—Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for nemesis
Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 3 May 2025
There’s real love there, even among the people who are onscreen nemeses, mortal enemies.
—Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Long-time nemesis Brad Marchand scored the winner for the Panthers on a twisted wrister that banked off Rielly before zipping past goalie Joseph Woll.
—Steve Silverman, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
His father’s been murdered by his long-time nemesis– possibly something more, the way [he and Carla] keep looking at each other….
—Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for nemesis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nemesis
Noun
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The bond vigilantes of 2025 may be a rougher crowd than their predecessors in the 1990s.—
George Calhoun,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
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Could bond vigilantes again check the Trump agenda?—
Andrew Ross Sorkin,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
Noun
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The punishment was far less than the maximum six-month sentence sought by the government but more than the probation that Papadopoulos and his lawyers had asked for.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
28 May 2025
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School personnel also would be prohibited from referring truant students to police to be ticketed as punishment.—
Jennifer Smith Richards,
ProPublica,
28 May 2025
Noun
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Christopher Walken stars as a school teacher who comes out of a coma with a gift that feels more like a terrifying curse.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
23 May 2025
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While Rory McIlroy finally broke his 11-year curse to claim the green jacket, Bradley struggled, missing the cut with a 3-over-par.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 May 2025
Noun
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No one wants to die in an America of wrath and vengeance.—
Christine Ledbetter,
Chicago Tribune,
22 May 2025
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Against this backdrop, Moscow may be tempted to scare Europe into submission, and some Europeans might choose appeasement rather than risk Russia’s wrath.—
Liana Fix,
Foreign Affairs,
1 May 2025
Noun
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Compliance Check For Key Industries Ah, compliance—the bane of every CISO's existence.—
Itzik Alvas,
Forbes,
2 Dec. 2024
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Sargassum, the stinky, slimy bane of beachgoers worldwide, returned to swarm south Florida beaches last week, as masses of the seaweed were spotted lining the shores of Miami Beach, a famous destination and beach getaway for travelers.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
Noun
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What are penalties for selling stuff without a permit? Selling things in California without a valid seller’s permit can get you into legal trouble, according to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.—
Angela Rodriguez,
Sacbee.com,
21 May 2025
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The penalty for first-time marijuana users can be as severe as up to five years in prison, even if the consumption occurred while the offender was overseas in a place where the drug is legal.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
21 May 2025
Noun
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This watch is in effect until 10 p.m. What to do as threat of lightning approaches?—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 June 2025
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Schools everywhere feel the threat, and hope to avoid the government’s scrutiny.—
John Branch,
New York Times,
1 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nemesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nemesis. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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