adversarial
Britishadjective
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pertaining to or characterized by antagonism and conflict
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US term: adversary. having or involving opposing parties or interests in a legal contest
Explanation
Anything that's adversarial is full of intense disagreement and conflict. If you had an adversarial relationship with your sister, it would be extremely difficult to share a bedroom with her. Adversarial exchanges between countries don't bode well — they often lead to more intense conflicts, or possibly even war. Being adversarial means that each side is antagonistic, sharply opposed to the other, or locked into a deeply divided rivalry. In fact, this adjective is sometimes used simply to mean "hostile." Your adversary is your enemy or competitor, and both words stem from the Latin adversus, "turned against."
Vocabulary lists containing adversarial
ACT Reading Test: Words to Capture Tone, List 1
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Tone and Point of View, List 1
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Words to Capture Tone, List 1
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He's not the first prime minister to pledge a new style of politics only to find it hard to dodge the adversarial nature of PMQs.
From BBC ● Sep. 2, 2026
While adversarial crowds often are a home-field advantage, Matthews understands the challenge that lies ahead but is excited to be back and playing in front of the Cal faithful.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 30, 2026
Davidson analyst Gil Luria agreed, arguing AI labs would rather have a seat at the table than an adversarial relationship with the government.
From Barron's ● Jun. 5, 2026
Those outcomes, as in most settlements, were the result of protracted proceedings between adversarial parties over whether a case should be settled and for how much.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 4, 2026
Defendants who are deemed incompetent can’t be tried in adversarial criminal proceedings—meaning that the State can't prosecute them unless they become well enough to defend themselves.
From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
