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

One key to victory for Brewer is handling James’ physicality, which has been an issue for Arlington Heights’ opponents this season. —Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Nov. 2025

McFadden was also an outspoken opponent of a new state law that expanded ICE authorities over people detained in local jails and required sheriffs to work more closely with ICE officials. —Dianne Gallagher, CNN Money, 13 Nov. 2025

Adjective

She’s criticized her opponent Republican nominee Matt Van Epps whose primary campaign was supported by nearly $2 million in spending from out-of-state billionaires. —Vivian Jones, Nashville Tennessean, 13 Nov. 2025

Yet this year’s defense is statistically worse in most categories, including average yards allowed, sack rate, defensive EPA, opponent third-down conversion rate, red-zone efficiency and time of possession. —Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 10 Nov. 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