opponent

1 of 2

noun

op·​po·​nent ə-ˈpō-nənt 

1

: one that takes an opposite position (as in a debate, contest, or conflict)

She is a formidable opponent in the race for senator.

opponents of the war

The team's opponents have not lost a game this season.

2

: a muscle that opposes or counteracts and limits the action of another

opponent

2 of 2

adjective

1

: antagonistic, opposing

2

: situated in front

Synonyms of opponent

Noun

• foe
• rival
• adversary

Examples of opponent in a Sentence

Noun

She is a formidable opponent in the race for senator.

The team's opponents have not lost a game this season.

He knocked out his opponent in the third round.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

And yet the first half Sunday felt worse, because of the appalling volume of wide open Pacers three-pointers and the poor quality of the injury-riddled opponent. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026

The Heat have gone 23-22 against Eastern Conference opponents. —ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026

Adjective

Kentucky ranks third in the conference in scoring defense (72.6) and opponent field goal percentage (41.9%). —Tony Catalina, Austin American Statesman, 3 Mar. 2026

Their opponent success rate of 41.8% in the regular season spiked to 46.7% in the three playoff games. —Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 9 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from Medieval Latin oppōnent-, oppōnens "one who proposes something for discussion," from present participle of Latin oppōnere "to place as an obstacle, set in opposition to, argue in reply" — more at oppose

Adjective

borrowed from Latin oppōnent-, oppōnens, present participle of oppōnere "to place as an obstacle, set in opposition to, argue in reply" — more at oppose

First Known Use

Noun

1553, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for opponent

• component
• deponent
• exponent
• proponent
• multicomponent
• ponent

Kids Definition

opponent

noun

op·​po·​nent

ə-ˈpō-nənt

: a person or thing that opposes another

Medical Definition

opponent

noun

op·​po·​nent ə-ˈpō-nənt 

: a muscle that opposes or counteracts and limits the action of another