opponent

noun

ə-ˈpō-nənt How to pronounce opponent (audio)
Definition of opponentnext
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

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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

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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
  1. foe
  2. enemy
  3. rival
  4. adversary
Noun
  • Iran has proven to be a far more formidable foe than initially anticipated, and Keir Simmons tells me why the fight is over control of the Strait of Hormuz — not Iran’s nuclear program.
    — Yasmin Vossoughian, NBC news, 16 July 2026
  • Bovo, who resigned his post last year to join a lobbying firm, was a political foe of Hialeah’s current mayor, Bryan Calvo.
    — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026
Definition of foe
Noun
  • But rewrite the scene a little bit – Vader, after lopping off Luke’s hand, cradles him in his lap as the young man wakes up slowly to see the dark mask of his enemy above him.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • Valerian both underestimated the enemy and overestimated Roman military strength.
    — Robin Wright, New Yorker, 17 July 2026
Definition of enemy
Noun
  • One of her rivals is Jason Sandy, who has more than a hundred thousand followers on Instagram and sits on the board of the Society of Thames Mudlarks.
    — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 17 July 2026
  • The men’s World Cup’s closest rival for global viewership is the Summer Olympic Games.
    — Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 17 July 2026
Definition of rival
Noun
  • Cyberattacks on mobile networks allowed adversaries — likely Iran or its allies — to seek the locations of specific phones.
    — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 17 July 2026
  • It’s been understood for years that America’s adversaries and allies alike take a keen interest in how this country practices an imperfect democracy.
    — Philip Elliott, Time, 17 July 2026
Definition of adversary

Browse Nearby Words

opinions
opponent
opponents
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Cite this Entry

“Opponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opponent. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on opponent

Nglish: Translation of opponent for Spanish Speakers

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