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
-
This is a matchup of longtime rivals in the old Garden Grove League.—
Steve Fryer,
Oc Register,
9 May 2026
-
Chimaev just wants his rival to make it to the cage.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
Chinese sources familiar with the matter recently told CNN that Beijing cautiously views its adversary’s months-long conflict with Iran as having potentially strengthened its negotiating position.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
6 May 2026
-
As a result, economists have said these sanctions have eroded favorability toward the dollar from some of America’s adversaries.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Opponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opponent. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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