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
Relevance
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
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
Even Howard’s political and ideological opponents view the reforms as a moment of unity.
—
Oscar Schwartz,
New Yorker,
29 June 2026
After Johnson directly introduced the ordinance into the Housing Committee, a rare move designed to prevent opponents from delaying debate, aldermen now stand between the two opposing sides.
—
Jake Sheridan,
Chicago Tribune,
29 June 2026
Larson has clashed chiefly with Bronin — rather than his other two opponents — during the campaign.
—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
28 June 2026
Gray didn't dwell much on the opponent despite his history with New York.
—
ABC News,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for opponent
Oscar Schwartz,
New Yorker,
29 June 2026
After Johnson directly introduced the ordinance into the Housing Committee, a rare move designed to prevent opponents from delaying debate, aldermen now stand between the two opposing sides.
—
Jake Sheridan,
Chicago Tribune,
29 June 2026
Larson has clashed chiefly with Bronin — rather than his other two opponents — during the campaign.
—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
28 June 2026
Gray didn't dwell much on the opponent despite his history with New York.
—
ABC News,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for opponent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opponent
Noun
-
With Aemond gone, Rhaenrya dragon-waltzes into King's Landing, an entry made possible by peace-seeking former foe and childhood bestie Alicent.
-
The 2018 runners-up and 2022 third-place finishers have three wins and a draw against African World Cup foes since 2014, including their third-place victory over Morocco.
Noun
-
Republican legislators, taking their lead from a president who sees half the nation as his personal enemy, have put their own party’s interests over the republic’s.
-
Unluckily, Alys, freshly alienated by Daemon, arrives just in time to nurse the enemy of her enemy back to health.
Noun
-
In what felt like an absolute fever dream, the PIX 11 studio team was talking to reporter Steve Gelbs before a game against the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies.
-
Escalating violence Sydney’s western suburbs are ground zero for a turf war that’s seen criminal gangs shoot up rivals’ homes, ignite cars and businesses, kidnap and kill associates and terrorize their families.
Noun
-
That timing gap is the real adversary.
-
Seoul — North Korea on Tuesday commissioned its largest-ever warship, a 5,000-ton destroyer that military analysts say could give Pyongyang’s adversaries something more to think about in a time of crisis.
Cite this Entry
“Opponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opponent. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
