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

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

Noun

• adversary
• antagonist
• foe
• rival

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

Trump’s threats to annex Canada and his tariffs have pulled the ruling Liberal party out of spiraling approval ratings and could propel Mark Carney, the Liberal candidate and sitting prime minister, to victory over Pierre Poilievre, his conservative opponent. —Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025

Ipswich proved obdurate and then generous opponents — Newcastle’s 78 per cent possession was the highest by any team in a Premier League match this season — and their relegation was confirmed by this 3-0 defeat. —George Caulkin, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025

Adjective

The Pistons rank second in the association in opponent field-goal percentage (44.9), third in blocks per game (5.8) and fourth in points off turnovers (19.4). —Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025

The Razorbacks rank No. 72 in opponent 3-point percentage (31.9). —Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 2025

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