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

There’s not a single Class 4A team on the schedule, so Columbine will need to stack wins against stiff 5A opponents to get favorable playoff seeding, which is determined by MaxPreps Rankings. — Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 16 Aug. 2026

Unbeaten in all competitions this season when scoring first (15-0-2), LAFC dropped to 0-6-1 in MLS when opponents jumped ahead. — Josh Gross, Daily News, 16 Aug. 2026

And there are opponents of that movement who point to the failed socialist governments in Latin American is proof that socialism doesn't always work. — CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026

Rogan and Daniel Cormier suggested this could offer future opponents valuable study material. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026