1
as in foe
one that takes a position opposite another in a competition or conflict
in martial arts, before the match begins, always bow to your opponent
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in enemy
one that is hostile toward another
the senator has many political opponents who would love to ruin his career
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of opponent
The idea behind it is that the ball is brought up into the air to take it around an opponent, using a combination of the calf/shin and the foot in one fluid motion.
—
Stuart James, New York Times, 21 June 2026
If a player runs out of time on a throw-in, possession flips to the opponent.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 21 June 2026
The move knocked all his Democratic opponents off the ballot, leaving him unopposed.
—Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026
Supporters portray the Business Improvement District as a fix for years of neglect and crime, while opponents fear gentrification, over-policing and businesses gaining control over public space.
—Alejandra Molina, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for opponent
Stuart James, New York Times, 21 June 2026
If a player runs out of time on a throw-in, possession flips to the opponent.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 21 June 2026
The move knocked all his Democratic opponents off the ballot, leaving him unopposed.
—Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026
Supporters portray the Business Improvement District as a fix for years of neglect and crime, while opponents fear gentrification, over-policing and businesses gaining control over public space.
—Alejandra Molina, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for opponent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opponent
Noun
-
The two battled, with the Sea Snake about to make the kill after stabbing his foe in the thigh.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
-
The South American roster of Leviatán took down Global Esports and NRG in the Swiss Stage to advance to the playoff bracket, but were then met with a formidable foe in the shape of Paper Rex.—
Mike Stubbs,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
Noun
-
Corlys and Lohar find each other in the scrum and both land powerful blows before Corlys is thrown into the sea, leaving Alyn of Hull to finish off his father’s enemy.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
22 June 2026
-
After hours of fighting in the close urban setting, Dockery used smoke grenades to signal enemy positions for American gunships.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
20 June 2026
Noun
-
But Republican rival Steve Hilton slammed the group for political opportunism.—
Ben Paviour,
Sacbee.com,
20 June 2026
-
The idea is that even rivals can find common ground over a beverage.—
Ralphie Aversa,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
The project, written by Oliver Draiv, explores the origins of Sherlock Holmes’ greatest adversary against the backdrop of modern-day Turin.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
18 June 2026
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One of the project’s most significant adversaries is the city of Sacramento — while the area is not under their governance, city officials argue the development would violate a decades-old habitat conservation agreement with the county.—
Jennah Pendleton,
Sacbee.com,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Opponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opponent. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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