
Adversary
Beyond Enemies
Adversary can refer to a competitor in sports, politics, or business, not just enemies.

Even after the match, he respected his adversary for a well-played game.
Not Always Negative
The term doesn't always carry a hostile connotation; it can imply a healthy rivalry.

As chess adversaries, they pushed each other to improve.
Impersonal Adversaries
Adversary can also be a challenge or obstacle, not just a person or a group.

She considered her fear of heights an adversary to overcome.
Compare with
AntagonistChallengerCompetitorContenderEnemyFoeOpponentRival
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