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
2
: a muscle that opposes or counteracts and limits the action of another
1
2
: situated in front
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
Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
In a 6-to-3 decision by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, the Court backed a request by the Trump Administration to limit the authority of federal judges to issue nationwide injunctions, a powerful tool by which Trump's opponents have been able to halt many of his policies in recent months.
—Nik Popli, Time, 27 June 2025
Nick Mordowanec
barney Henderson, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
Oklahoma City boasts a historically dominant defense that leads all teams this postseason in defensive rating (104.7), steals per game (10.8), opponent field-goal percentage (42.6%) and turnovers forced per game (18.0).
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for opponent
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Noun
Under ideal circumstances, Van would have had a full camp to fight an opponent ranked between No. 5 and No. 10 following his UFC 316 win.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
In a 6-to-3 decision by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, the Court backed a request by the Trump Administration to limit the authority of federal judges to issue nationwide injunctions, a powerful tool by which Trump's opponents have been able to halt many of his policies in recent months.
—Nik Popli, Time, 27 June 2025
Adjective
Transgender rights supporters and opponent rally outside of the U.S. Supreme Court as the high court hears arguments in a case on transgender health rights on December 04, 2024 in Washington, DC.
—Nick Mordowanec
barney Henderson, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
Oklahoma City boasts a historically dominant defense that leads all teams this postseason in defensive rating (104.7), steals per game (10.8), opponent field-goal percentage (42.6%) and turnovers forced per game (18.0).
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for opponent
Cite this Entry
“Opponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opponent. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
opponent
noun
op·po·nent
ə-ˈpō-nənt
: a muscle that opposes or counteracts and limits the action of another
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