Synonyms of opponent

opponent

noun

ə-ˈpō-nənt 

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

• foe
• rival
• adversary
• competitor
• enemy
• contestant
• antagonist
• match
• attacker
• nemesis
• combatant
• assailant
• archenemy
• invader
• equal
• curse
• bane
• bête noire

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• partner
• ally
• accomplice
• champion
• proponent
• supporter
• advocate
• exponent
• confederate
• sympathizer

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

• enemy
• foe
• hostile
• adversary
• antagonist
• attacker
• rival
• archenemy
• competitor
• combatant
• assailant
• invader
• archfoe
• nemesis
• bête noire
• ill-wisher
• bane
• emulator

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• friend
• partner
• fellow
• buddy
• pal
• colleague
• mate
• ally
• chum
• comrade
• musketeer
• compadre
• hearty
• accomplice
• crony
• collaborator
• disciple
• amigo
• adherent
• supporter
• abettor
• friendly
• hail-fellow
• follower
• hail-fellow-well-met
• benefactor
• exponent
• sympathizer
• hobnobber
• backer
• confederate
• well-wisher

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of opponent

Opposition contacts Rivera and his lawyers relied heavily on his contacts with Maduro opponents to argue that the government had misconstrued his work. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026

Tinubu will face familiar opponents Atiku Abubakar — who has pledged to reinstate fuel subsidies — and Peter Obi in a repeat of the last presidential election. — Paige Bruton, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Death penalty opponents say Pike’s case highlights the inherent cruelty of capital punishment and have called for Tennessee officials to make the results of the investigation public. — Victoria Craw, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026

The Bears slightly outgained the Seminoles 115-112 in the second half, holding their opponents to 13 fourth-quarter yards. — Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026