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
But, beyond the specifics, opponents of the bill don’t like its rationale.
—
Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026
While opponents have not lost hope the department can be rebuilt, the task becomes more difficult by the day with programs shuttered, thousands of employees fired and some initiatives transferring to completely different federal agencies.
—Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 19 Apr. 2026
Being in danger of losing their four-game series, after arriving in Denver without having lost to a National League opponent, against a club that hasn’t made the postseason since 2018?
—Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026
Braun took the lead on Edwards, and Denver held an opponent to 105 points or fewer for just the 15th time this year.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for opponent
Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026
While opponents have not lost hope the department can be rebuilt, the task becomes more difficult by the day with programs shuttered, thousands of employees fired and some initiatives transferring to completely different federal agencies.
—Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 19 Apr. 2026
Being in danger of losing their four-game series, after arriving in Denver without having lost to a National League opponent, against a club that hasn’t made the postseason since 2018?
—Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026
Braun took the lead on Edwards, and Denver held an opponent to 105 points or fewer for just the 15th time this year.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for opponent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opponent
Noun
-
Now, Denver appears primed to make another run at a title but will have to get through a familiar foe in Round 1 just to kick off its postseason party.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
18 Apr. 2026
-
Jokic had 25 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists and a bloody nose in a physical game between the Northwest Division foes.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
18 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
However, unlike the first movie, the upcoming film will revolve around arch enemies Kent and Luthor working together to defeat an even more dangerous villain, Brainiac, who will be played by newcomer Lars Eidinger.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
19 Apr. 2026
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Throughout Orbán’s re-election campaign, the media controlled by his governing Fidesz party depicted Magyar as a reckless enemy of peace, bent on dragging Hungary into the war in neighboring Ukraine.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
19 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Roster-building gamesmanship ensued between the rivals.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Brian Clough went one better with Nottingham Forest in 1977-78, winning the league and then the European Cup with Derby’s East Midlands neighbours and arch-rivals immediately upon earning promotion.—
Elias Burke,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Meanwhile Beirut, caught between its adversary Israel and a powerful armed domestic group in Hezbollah, risks being squeezed out, an expert argued.—
Jeronimo Gonzalez,
semafor.com,
23 Apr. 2026
-
In other words, China has the most advanced space technology of any potential US adversary.—
Stephen Clark,
ArsTechnica,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Opponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opponent. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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