Meaning & use

archnemesis

noun·Advanced

A person's greatest and most persistent rival or enemy, especially in a recurring conflict.

See it in a sentence

In the comic series, the detective's archnemesis always seems to escape at the last moment.

The two chess champions had become archnemeses after a decade of close matches.

A note on using this word

Archnemesis is often used playfully in everyday speech, not only for serious enemies but also for a longtime rival in sports, games, or work.

Words with a similar meaning

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Words with an opposite meaning

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