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

And when the opponent least expects it, the haymaker has knocked them on the mat — and Roberts is running toward an open end zone. — Pj Green october 10, Kansas City Star, 10 Oct. 2026

Trust wanes in field goal unit For the first time since late in the 2024 season, the Cowboys elected to punt at the opponent’s 47-yard line or closer. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 2026

Westlake and East Coweta both enter at 5-1 with losses to top-10 Class 7A opponents. — Jack Leo, AJC.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Travel across the country after a tough loss to face a quality opponent. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 9 Oct. 2026