nemesis
noun
nem·e·sis ˈne-mə-səs 
1
capitalized : the Greek goddess of retributive justice
2
plural nemeses ˈne-mə-ˌsēz
a
: one that inflicts retribution or vengeance
Many a pursued man fell before his nemesis in the streets …
Agnes Morely Cleaveland
Agnes Morely Cleaveland b
: a formidable and usually victorious rival or opponent
The team was defeated by its old nemesis.
3
plural nemeses
a
: an act or effect of retribution
… pursue them with the nemesis of outraged humanity. Donald Culross Peattie
Donald Culross Peattie b
: bane sense 1
A nemesis of humankind since the first hand slapped the first cheek, mosquitoes have bitten their way into the American experience … Jack Cox
Jack Cox
Did you know?
Nemesis and Greek Mythology
Nemesis was the Greek goddess of vengeance, a deity who doled out rewards for noble acts and punishment for evil ones. The Greeks believed that Nemesis didn't always punish an offender immediately but might wait generations to avenge a crime. In English, nemesis originally referred to someone who brought a just retribution, but nowadays people are more likely to see animosity than justice in the actions of a nemesis.
Synonyms
- avenger
- castigator
- chastiser
- punisher
- scourge
- vigilante
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
On just the kind of putt that had been a career-long nemesis, he kept his head perfectly still and knocked the ball squarely in the hole. Jaime Diaz, Sports Illustrated, 20 Feb. 1995 Japan and Iraq have been floated as possible successors for the role once filled by Amercia's old nemesis, the Soviet Union … Michiko Kakutani, New York Times, 18 June 1993 In the beginning were the words, winged at first until, paralysed, they fell to earth and were imprisoned by their nemesis, the alphabet. Erich Segal, Times Literary Supplement, 12 July 1991 Thus, once surgeons implant the new graft, tissue rejection—the unforgiving nemesis of most transplant attempts—occurs in only 3% to 5% of cases. Christine Gorman et al., Time, 7 Dec. 1987 He will be playing his old nemesis for the championship. Batman is the Joker's main nemesis and always foils his wicked plots. See More
Jaime Diaz, Sports Illustrated, 20 Feb. 1995 Japan and Iraq have been floated as possible successors for the role once filled by Amercia's old nemesis, the Soviet Union … Michiko Kakutani, New York Times, 18 June 1993 In the beginning were the words, winged at first until, paralysed, they fell to earth and were imprisoned by their nemesis, the alphabet. Erich Segal, Times Literary Supplement, 12 July 1991 Thus, once surgeons implant the new graft, tissue rejection—the unforgiving nemesis of most transplant attempts—occurs in only 3% to 5% of cases. Christine Gorman et al., Time, 7 Dec. 1987 He will be playing his old nemesis for the championship. Batman is the Joker's main nemesis and always foils his wicked plots. See More Recent Examples on the Web Chief among them was his former protege and eventual nemesis, Boris Yeltsin, who became Russia’s first president. The Salt Lake Tribune, 30 Aug. 2022 Chief among them was his former protege and eventual nemesis, Boris Yeltsin, who became Russia’s first president. Chicago Tribune, 30 Aug. 2022 Chief among them was his former protegee and eventual nemesis, Boris Yeltsin, who became Russia’s first president. Jim Heintz, ajc, 30 Aug. 2022 One team standing in their way, one that has won four of the last five AL West titles and played in three of the last five World Series, happens to be Tepera’s nemesis. Mike Digiovanna, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2022 The Framework is led by al-Sadr’s chief nemesis, former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2022 The Framework is led by al-Sadr’s chief nemesis, former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Qassim Abdul-zahra And Samya Kullab, Anchorage Daily News, 29 Aug. 2022 Meanwhile, her on-and-off nemesis/love interest Ben Gross (Jaren Lewison) was continuing to date Aneesa Qureshi (Megan Suri). Dory Jackson, Peoplemag, 13 Aug. 2022 He was also considered a nemesis to the U.S. in the Middle East, with American officials blaming him for the deaths of thousands of American soldiers and their regional allies. Dustin Volz, WSJ, 10 Aug. 2022 See More
The Salt Lake Tribune, 30 Aug. 2022 Chief among them was his former protege and eventual nemesis, Boris Yeltsin, who became Russia’s first president. Chicago Tribune, 30 Aug. 2022 Chief among them was his former protegee and eventual nemesis, Boris Yeltsin, who became Russia’s first president. Jim Heintz, ajc, 30 Aug. 2022 One team standing in their way, one that has won four of the last five AL West titles and played in three of the last five World Series, happens to be Tepera’s nemesis. Mike Digiovanna, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2022 The Framework is led by al-Sadr’s chief nemesis, former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2022 The Framework is led by al-Sadr’s chief nemesis, former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Qassim Abdul-zahra And Samya Kullab, Anchorage Daily News, 29 Aug. 2022 Meanwhile, her on-and-off nemesis/love interest Ben Gross (Jaren Lewison) was continuing to date Aneesa Qureshi (Megan Suri). Dory Jackson, Peoplemag, 13 Aug. 2022 He was also considered a nemesis to the U.S. in the Middle East, with American officials blaming him for the deaths of thousands of American soldiers and their regional allies. Dustin Volz, WSJ, 10 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
borrowed from Latin, borrowed from Greek némesis "retribution, righteous anger, blame," probably derivative (with -esis, analogically extended form of -sis, -tis, suffix of action nouns) of némein "to apportion, distribute" — more at nimble
First Known Use
1561, in the meaning defined at sense 1
nemeses
noun
1
as in vigilantes
one who inflicts punishment in return for an injury or offense Batman is the Joker's main nemesis and always foils his wicked plots Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- vigilantes
- punishers
- avengers
- scourges
- chastisers
- revengers
- castigators
- righters
- redressers
- requiters
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- redeemers
- vindicators
- ransomers
2
as in punishments
suffering, loss, or hardship imposed in response to a crime or offense social ostracism was once society's nemesis for those who defied its sexual mores Synonyms & Similar Words
- punishments
- penalties
- wraths
- castigations
- comeuppances
- disciplines
- deserts
- chastisements
- sentences
- corrections
- vengeances
- revenges
- retributions
- condemnations
- retaliations
- reprisals
- criticisms
- examples
- fines
- reprimands
- denouncements
- assessments
- rebukes
- confinements
- damnations
- charges
- mulcts
- imprisonments
- incarcerations
- censures
- reproofs
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- vindications
- pardons
- indemnities
- immunities
- amnesties
- exemptions
- paroles
- acquittals
- exonerations
- exculpations
- releases
- impunities
- reprieves
- remissions
- absolutions
- commutations
- disregards
- remitments
- condonations
3
as in curses
a source of harm or misfortune irrationality is the nemesis of democracy, for good government depends upon the wisdom of the electorate Synonyms & Similar Words
- curses
- banes
- threats
- menaces
- dangers
- scourges
- perils
- hazards
- afflictions
- risks
- snags
- troubles
- pitfalls
- jinxes
- hoodoos
- booby traps
- hexes
- catches
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- benefits
- advantages
- goods
- windfalls
- gifts
- blessings
- godsends
- help
- aids
- felicities
- boons
- consolations
- joys
- reliefs
- supports
- pleasures
- mannas
- delights
- defenses
- assistances
- comforts
- shields
- solaces
- guards
- protections
- securities
- safeguards
- safeties
- armors