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
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
David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 4 Dec. 2025
His veteran presence for the young secondary, with help from defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, turned the Eagles' defense into a terrifying opponent.
—Jenn McGraw, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025
Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 24 Nov. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for opponent
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Noun
The Government Accountability Office opened an investigation this week into Bill Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, related to his agency’s criminal referrals of mortgage fraud allegations against President Donald Trump‘s political opponents to the Department of Justice.
—David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 4 Dec. 2025
His veteran presence for the young secondary, with help from defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, turned the Eagles' defense into a terrifying opponent.
—Jenn McGraw, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025
Adjective
Syracuse Strengths - Elite defenders: The Orange rank No. 1 in opponent effective field goal percentage (37%).
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 24 Nov. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for opponent
Cite this Entry
“Opponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opponent. Accessed 8 Dec. 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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