1
as in foe
one that takes a position opposite another in a competition or conflict
in martial arts, before the match begins, always bow to your opponent
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in enemy
one that is hostile toward another
the senator has many political opponents who would love to ruin his career
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of opponent
The idea behind it is that the ball is brought up into the air to take it around an opponent, using a combination of the calf/shin and the foot in one fluid motion.
—
Stuart James,
New York Times,
21 June 2026
If a player runs out of time on a throw-in, possession flips to the opponent.
—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
21 June 2026
The move knocked all his Democratic opponents off the ballot, leaving him unopposed.
—
Kate Armanini,
Chicago Tribune,
20 June 2026
Supporters portray the Business Improvement District as a fix for years of neglect and crime, while opponents fear gentrification, over-policing and businesses gaining control over public space.
—
Alejandra Molina,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for opponent
Stuart James,
New York Times,
21 June 2026
If a player runs out of time on a throw-in, possession flips to the opponent.
—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
21 June 2026
The move knocked all his Democratic opponents off the ballot, leaving him unopposed.
—
Kate Armanini,
Chicago Tribune,
20 June 2026
Supporters portray the Business Improvement District as a fix for years of neglect and crime, while opponents fear gentrification, over-policing and businesses gaining control over public space.
—
Alejandra Molina,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for opponent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opponent
Noun
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The two battled, with the Sea Snake about to make the kill after stabbing his foe in the thigh.
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The South American roster of Leviatán took down Global Esports and NRG in the Swiss Stage to advance to the playoff bracket, but were then met with a formidable foe in the shape of Paper Rex.
Noun
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Corlys and Lohar find each other in the scrum and both land powerful blows before Corlys is thrown into the sea, leaving Alyn of Hull to finish off his father’s enemy.
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After hours of fighting in the close urban setting, Dockery used smoke grenades to signal enemy positions for American gunships.
Noun
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In what felt like an absolute fever dream, the PIX 11 studio team was talking to reporter Steve Gelbs before a game against the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies.
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Escalating violence Sydney’s western suburbs are ground zero for a turf war that’s seen criminal gangs shoot up rivals’ homes, ignite cars and businesses, kidnap and kill associates and terrorize their families.
Noun
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That timing gap is the real adversary.
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Seoul — North Korea on Tuesday commissioned its largest-ever warship, a 5,000-ton destroyer that military analysts say could give Pyongyang’s adversaries something more to think about in a time of crisis.
Cite this Entry
“Opponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opponent. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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