Synonyms of opponent

opponent

noun

ə-ˈpō-nənt 

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

• foe
• rival
• adversary
• competitor
• enemy
• contestant
• antagonist
• match
• attacker
• nemesis
• combatant
• assailant
• archenemy
• invader
• equal
• curse
• bane
• bête noire

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• partner
• ally
• accomplice
• champion
• proponent
• supporter
• advocate
• exponent
• confederate
• sympathizer

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

• enemy
• foe
• hostile
• adversary
• antagonist
• attacker
• rival
• archenemy
• competitor
• combatant
• assailant
• invader
• archfoe
• nemesis
• bête noire
• ill-wisher
• bane
• emulator

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• friend
• partner
• fellow
• buddy
• pal
• colleague
• mate
• ally
• chum
• comrade
• musketeer
• compadre
• hearty
• accomplice
• crony
• collaborator
• disciple
• amigo
• adherent
• supporter
• abettor
• friendly
• hail-fellow
• follower
• hail-fellow-well-met
• benefactor
• exponent
• sympathizer
• hobnobber
• backer
• confederate
• well-wisher

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of opponent

The cash imbalance between supporters and opponents of the billionaire tax is vast. — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026

According to polls, Netanyahu and his main opponent, Gadi Eisenkot, are neck and neck in the race. — Ruth Sherlock, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026

Trump spent a bit of his roughly 90-minute speech boosting the candidates, mostly by attacking their Democratic opponents. — Christopher Spata, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2026

El Sayed has struggled to win over black voters in his race against his opponent Mike Rogers (R-MI). — Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 24 Oct. 2026