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 Crowley and other Democrats argue the ads are meant to bolster Hong’s standing in the primary because Republicans see her as the easier opponent. — Scott Bauer, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026 During a daylong hearing, Rybakov said there was no evidence to support the allegations and described the case as an unconstitutional attack on freedom of thought by political opponents seeking to clear the field of rivals. — Reuters, NBC news, 10 Aug. 2026 That comes with sharper scrutiny and new challenges, experts and opponents say. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026 While McGee doesn't have an official opponent yet, according to Tapology, the veteran made the announcement on Monday. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opponent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opponent
  1. foe
  2. enemy
  3. rival
  4. adversary
Noun
  • Worrell’s frequent foe, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, bashed her over Rundell’s past on social media, suggesting dropped cases previously left the teen free to commit murder this summer.
    — Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Meanwhile, friends and foes alike were reminded that allies of the United States cannot be certain that their interests will be protected during a war or that Washington will even consult with them before deciding to use force.
    — KORI SCHAKE, Foreign Affairs, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of foe
Noun
  • Friday is here and that means all you Competitive Wordle players, playing against your friends, co-workers, rivals, enemies, or against me or the Wordle Bot, must double your points, whether positive or negative.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Months turned into years, and on August 6, 1945, Kakita and his brother heard of an enemy aircraft sighting.
    — Rina Nakano, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of enemy
Noun
  • The tit-for-tat brings up echoes of last year, when the rivals were locked in a blistering trade war.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Friday is here and that means all you Competitive Wordle players, playing against your friends, co-workers, rivals, enemies, or against me or the Wordle Bot, must double your points, whether positive or negative.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of rival
Noun
  • Also in the parade ranks were new uncrewed submersible vehicles – underwater drones, stealthy in their own right, that could pose a threat to any of Beijing’s adversaries.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • There is nothing to do with a warning about foreign adversaries except go quiet, which is the point of making it.
    — Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 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 12 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on opponent

Nglish: Translation of opponent for Spanish Speakers

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