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 announcement sent shockwaves through the football community, forcing the nine teams on Parker’s 11-man schedule to scramble for games and the Lancers looking for 8-man opponents.
—
John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025
The rules are simple – a random contestant challenges an adjoining opponent in a quiz duel.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2025
His appearance Wednesday drew a crowd of vocal opponents.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2025
His ability to box out an opponent for a rebound is something he’s carried to the football field with jump balls.
—Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opponent
John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025
The rules are simple – a random contestant challenges an adjoining opponent in a quiz duel.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2025
His appearance Wednesday drew a crowd of vocal opponents.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2025
His ability to box out an opponent for a rebound is something he’s carried to the football field with jump balls.
—Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opponent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opponent
Noun
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Wednesday returns to the Gothic halls of Nevermore Academy, where fresh foes and woes await.—
DeVonne Goode,
Parents,
7 Aug. 2025
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But Birmingham are expected to be one of the clubs in contention for a play-offs spot, perhaps alongside former League One foes Wrexham.—
Dan Cancian,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Citizens are trained to report anyone who might be an enemy of the regime, including family members.—
Paul Tilsley,
FOXNews.com,
17 Aug. 2025
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Our theme this year was the enemy within for the writers’ room.—
Giana Levy,
Variety,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The arrangement will give Disney more heft at the negotiating table with distributors and new firepower in its effort to outmaneuver streaming rivals.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
6 Aug. 2025
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Intense competition from smaller rivals amid sluggish demand caused the company’s shares to tumble to an eight-year low in April, dragging down Belo’s net worth by over 40% to $520 million, the biggest drop on the list in percentage terms.—
Jane Ho,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
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While the base offers the security needed for such a summit, there are concerns over the optics of the head of state of an American adversary, visiting a U.S. military base.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Aug. 2025
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Her concern is less about keeping pace with an adversary, more about shaping a collaborator.—
Ron Schmelzer,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Opponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opponent. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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