arch enemies
Sworn mortal foes
Arch enemies are the most bitter or principal adversaries—opponents defined by deep, lasting hostility.
The prefix arch- intensifies, marking these as enemies above all others: Batman and the Joker are arch enemies.
The term appears in comic books and dramatic narratives, though it's often used playfully for rivalries that aren't literally life-or-death: My arch enemy from high school just got promoted above me.
Persistent source of ruin
- foeHostile opponent
- adversaryEnemy in conflict
- antagonistOne who opposes another
- archrivalPrincipal ongoing opponent
opponent · rival · counterpart · challenger · contender · bitter rival · sparring partner · duelist
Intense hostile aversion
- hostilityAntagonistic disposition toward others
- antagonismActive opposition or hostility
- animosityActive, bitter hostility
- ill willHostile or unfriendly feeling
bitterness · malice · spite · loathing · bad blood · vendetta · blood feud · vengeance
Armed military engagement
- warfareArmed conflict between groups
- clashViolent disagreement or collision
- combatArmed hostile engagement
- struggleLabored effort against resistance
confrontation · feud · hostilities · showdown · standoff · war · skirmish · face-off
Wicked story antagonist
- heroOne admired for courage
- protagonistStory's central figure
- supervillainPowerful fictional evil antagonist
- comic bookBound illustrated story publication
origin story · backstory · betrayal · evil twin · opposite side · final boss · showdown · destiny
nemesis
Persistent source of ruin
- foeHostile opponent
- adversaryEnemy in conflict
- antagonistOne who opposes another
archrival · opponent · rival · counterpart · challenger · contender · bitter rival · sparring partner · duelist · opposite number
hatred
Intense hostile aversion
- hostilityAntagonistic disposition toward others
- antagonismActive opposition or hostility
- animosityActive, bitter hostility
ill will · bitterness · malice · spite · loathing · bad blood · vendetta · blood feud · vengeance · retribution
battle
Armed military engagement
- warfareArmed conflict between groups
- clashViolent disagreement or collision
- combatArmed hostile engagement
struggle · confrontation · feud · hostilities · showdown · standoff · war · skirmish · face-off · final battle
villain
Wicked story antagonist
- heroOne admired for courage
- protagonistStory's central figure
- supervillainPowerful fictional evil antagonist
comic book · origin story · backstory · betrayal · evil twin · opposite side · final boss · showdown · destiny · fate
arch enemiesbest friends
Closest mutual companions
soulmates · bosom buddies · blood brothers · partners in crime · kindred spirits