What does "nemesis" mean?
An enemy, especially an archenemy.
Nemesis
/ˈnɛməsɪs/ name, noun
name, noun ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An enemy, especially an archenemy.
- Grammar: nemesis is listed as name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: adversary, affliction, alecto, archenemies.
- Useful contrasts: ally, compassion, forgiveness.
- Usage evidence: It's sort of the classic Greek tragedy of hubris begets nemesis.
How to use "nemesis"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "nemesis" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "nemesis" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "nemesis" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "nemesis" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "nemesis" is acting as name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "adversary" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "nemesis", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An enemy, especially an archenemy.
"Batman is in constant conflict with his nemesis, The Joker."
- 2 something causing misery or death wordnet
- 3 A person or character who specifically brings about the downfall of another person or character, as an agent of that character's fate or destiny, especially within a narrative.
- 4 The personification of the "fatal flaw" of a dramatic hero in the style of Greek tragedy.
- 5 Polar opposite, especially of a literary character.
"“And then, while he's devouring you with his stare, thinking about how much he wants to lick you up, along comes his antithesis, his polar opposite, his nemesis for want of a better word—” “Nemesis?” I interrupted, eyebrows journeying up my forehead. “—who swoops you off your feet and away from him,” Heather continued, ignoring my incredulous expression."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 The principle of retributive justice.
- 7 A punishment or defeat that is deserved and cannot be avoided; (an instance of) retribution. formal, singular, usually
"Even Nathan's close associates, who are not yet ready to declare themselves his enemies, accept that his engineered downfall will be his nemesis for harbouring ambitions beyond his status, and do nothing to alert him to the situation[…]"
Proper Noun
- 1 The goddess of divine retribution. Greek
- 2 128 Nemesis, a main belt asteroid.
- 3 A hypothetical star postulated to be orbiting the Sun to explain a perceived cycle of mass extinctions in the geological record.
Antonyms
Example
"It's sort of the classic Greek tragedy of hubris begets nemesis."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "nemesis"?
Common synonyms include: adversary, affliction, alecto, archenemies, archenemy, archrival.
How do you use "nemesis" in a sentence?
It's sort of the classic Greek tragedy of hubris begets nemesis.
How do you pronounce "nemesis"?
Pronounced /ˈnɛməsɪs/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From the Greek goddess of retribution Nemesis (Ancient Greek Νέμεσις (Némesis)).
Etymology 2
From Ancient Greek Νέμεσις (Némesis, “Nemesis, goddess of retribution”).