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
My main opponent is 83, and is seeking another six-year term.
—
Kevin Fixler
may 3, Idaho Statesman, 3 May 2026
However, opponents of the measure have argued that public service shouldn’t be a money making enterprise, and cautioned against raising the pay at a time when the city’s financial future feels uncertain.
—Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 May 2026
Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt lashed out at his opponents in a new attack ad.
—Tom Wait, CBS News, 2 May 2026
The Houston Astros scored first, on a solo home run by Carlos Correa in the third, and the Red Sox were 1-13 when opponents did that.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for opponent
Kevin Fixler
may 3, Idaho Statesman, 3 May 2026
However, opponents of the measure have argued that public service shouldn’t be a money making enterprise, and cautioned against raising the pay at a time when the city’s financial future feels uncertain.
—Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 May 2026
Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt lashed out at his opponents in a new attack ad.
—Tom Wait, CBS News, 2 May 2026
The Houston Astros scored first, on a solo home run by Carlos Correa in the third, and the Red Sox were 1-13 when opponents did that.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for opponent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opponent
Noun
-
These two Central Division foes know each other well.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
2 May 2026
-
Jones won a close battle with Avery Tibbs of downstate Washington and fellow DuPage Valley Conference foe Danyella Mporokoso of Waubonsie Valley to win the award, as voted on by coaches and media statewide.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
Trump has used the Justice Department to prosecute his political enemies.—
Peter Slevin,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
Producers are not your enemies.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
Beating their cross-state rivals — a similarly surprising playoff team — is one thing.—
Shayna Goldman,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
-
Directed by Juan Pablo Arias Munoz, a prodigal daughter rejoins her family at their farm during a difficult time, as her ailing father faces both a terminal diagnosis and mounting pressure from rivals.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
None of this would’ve been possible without Lively and Baldoni, adversaries whose spite and resources compelled them to continue to pursue litigation when just about everyone else in their positions would have quickly settled in the cloaked realm of arbitration.—
Gary Baum,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Apr. 2026
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Few, however, anticipated that Washington’s mismanagement of the post-Saddam order would open the door for Iran to penetrate a former adversary and build influence from within.—
Alaa Shahine Salha,
semafor.com,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Opponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opponent. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
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