OPPONENT Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

opponent

noun

ə-ˈpō-nənt

Definition of opponent

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

as in enemy

one that is hostile toward another the senator has many political opponents who would love to ruin his career

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of opponent The German fell to the ground and clutched his right knee in pain, with Sinner coming over to check on his opponent before helping Zverev up off the grass. — ABC News, 12 July 2026 Zverev grasped his knee in apparent discomfort and Sinner went around the net and helped his opponent up off the grass. — Andrew Dampf, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026 Cease also leads in xERA, FIP, xFIP, K% and opponent batting average, while Schlittler has Cease beat in wins, BB%, WHIP, innings and starts. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 12 July 2026 His trademark smirk and knowing stare are now feared by any opponent up against Norway, but don’t be fooled into thinking Haaland isn’t serious about his career. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 11 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for opponent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for opponent

Noun

The millions of mourners at the funeral of the Iranian leader Ayatollah ‌Ali Khamenei, who was killed on the first day of the war, may have put pressure on the regime to show resolve against the nation’s long-standing foes.

— Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
One of the most high-profile and controversial figures in British politics, Farage has had an outsized effect as a champion of leaving the European Union and foe of large-scale immigration.

— Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

Definition of foe

Noun

Santos is an intelligent player with lots of potential, and United nabbing him from a ‘Big Six’ rival would be the sort of clever deal that can keep them agile and competitive elsewhere in the summer transfer market.

— Carl Anka, New York Times, 10 July 2026
The Packers then blew a 21-3 halftime lead in the Wild Card round against Chicago, gave up 25 fourth quarter points and eventually suffered a shocking 31-27 loss to the arch-rival Bears.

— Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of rival

Browse Nearby Words

opinions

opponent

opponents

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Style

“Opponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opponent. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of opponent

noun

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