opponent

noun op·po·nent \ ə-ˈpō-nənt \

|Updated on: 19 Jun 2018

Examples: opponent in a Sentence

Definition of opponent

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

See opponent defined for English-language learners

See opponent defined for kids

Examples of opponent in a Sentence

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 of opponent from the Web

Duque’s opponent is Gustavo Petro, 58, of the Progressive Movement.

— anthony faiola, Washington Post, "Two years after Colombia’s peace accord, the historic pact is in jeopardy," 16 June 2018
Treviño contended that in their efforts to help Treviño’s opponent, McCormick, Wenger and Anderson falsely alleged that Treviño supported an impound lot and favored the closing of a roadway.

— gilbert garcia, San Antonio Express-News, "Castle Hills descends into municipal rancor and confusion," 15 June 2018
What worries Netanyahu’s opponents most is that his legal troubles aren’t harming his popularity.

— matthew campbell, Bloomberg.com, "Benjamin Netanyahu Could Be Heading for a Fifth Term. Or to Court," 14 June 2018
Mr Orban’s opponents would love to discuss why his friends are now among the richest people in Hungary, or why there is a huge football stadium in his tiny hometown.

— The Economist, "After decades of triumph, democracy is losing ground," 14 June 2018
Contrast that suffocating pressure with the joy Argentina’s opponents have experienced.

— kevin baxter, latimes.com, "Lionel Messi needs a World Cup while Iceland is just happy to be playing in one," 14 June 2018
Argentina’s opponents in the round of 16 were Mexico, who had struggled to make their way out of a weak group containing Portugal, Angola and Iran.

— SI.com, "World Cup Countdown: 1 Day to Go - What if Juan Roman Riquelme Hadn’t Been Substituted?," 13 June 2018
Anyone Worried About Escalating Military Tensions With North Korea The idea that anything positive could come out of this session is a hard pill for Trump’s opponents on the left and right to swallow.

— heather hurlburt, Daily Intelligencer, "The Winners and Losers of President Trump’s Meeting With Kim Jong-un," 12 June 2018
On why White picked Mike Jackson — who, like Punk, also lost to Gall in his UFC fight — for Punk’s opponent.

— phil thompson, chicagotribune.com, "CM Punk probably should 'walk away' if he loses at UFC 225, Dana White says," 8 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'opponent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of opponent

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1553

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

opponent Synonyms

opponent

adjective

Definition of opponent

1 : antagonistic, opposing

2 : situated in front

Recent Examples of opponent from the Web

The Colts rank fourth in the NFL in opponent kickoff-return average, a product of Sanchez’s savvy as a kickoff specialist.

— stephen holder, Indianapolis Star, "Colts' thumbs up, down: Jack Doyle, Jabaal Sheard starred this season," 1 Jan. 2018
The Lady Rams sank 85.7% (6-7) of their free throws and lost a Badgers-opponent season-high 26 turnovers to a season-high 14 steals by SHC.

— spring hill college athletics, AL.com, "Spring Hill women continue to roll with 73-46 win over Mobile," 24 Jan. 2018
Milwaukee has cut opponent three-point attempts from 27.4 per game in the first 18 contests to 23.3 in the past seven.

— matt velazquez, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Bucks are on a roll since getting back to basics in Berkeley," 10 Dec. 2017
His style is more along the lines of Floyd Mayweather Jr. — avoid contact, make the opponent look bad and win on points — which, to fans who thrive on continuous action and massive fistic exchanges, does not sit well.

— bob velin, USA TODAY, "Lomachenko vs. Rigondeaux: Historic fight with great expectations," 8 Dec. 2017
Another highlight on the slate is a trip to Tuscon, Ariz., to play Pac-12 opponent Arizona on Dec. 3.

— tod leonard, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Bahamas trip included in schedule for SDSU women's basketball," 9 Aug. 2017
Milpitas was scheduled to host Mission San Jose at SummitPointe Golf Course on Wednesday and to play league opponent Wilcox at Santa Clara Golf and Tennis Club on Thursday.

— julian ramos, The Mercury News, "Milpitas: Trojans baseball tops Branham High," 23 Mar. 2017

Origin and Etymology of opponent

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1647

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

OPPONENT Defined for English Language Learners

opponent

noun

Definition of opponent for English Language Learners

: a person, team, group, etc., that is competing against another in a contest
: a person, group, etc., that is against something (such as an action, law, or system) : someone or something that does not want something to exist, be done, etc.