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
The result is that most contests for judicial seats are pretty sleepy, with candidates limiting themselves to speeches and mailers listing their qualifications rather than attacking their opponents.
—
Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 14 June 2026
The two have had a personal scuffle online, after Gaethje made comments about his opponent's ex-wife.
—Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 14 June 2026
My opponents have reversed course.
—Julie Won, New York Daily News, 14 June 2026
Zac Anderson Knock out your opponent and shake the president's hand.
—Zac Anderson, USA Today, 14 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for opponent
Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 14 June 2026
The two have had a personal scuffle online, after Gaethje made comments about his opponent's ex-wife.
—Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 14 June 2026
My opponents have reversed course.
—Julie Won, New York Daily News, 14 June 2026
Zac Anderson Knock out your opponent and shake the president's hand.
—Zac Anderson, USA Today, 14 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for opponent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opponent
Noun
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The demonstration, which had been previously organized by a hodgepodge of activist groups after weeks of negotiations with local authorities, was otherwise peaceful — with environmentalists, women’s rights advocates, supporters of Palestinians and foes of imperialism, fascism and capitalism.—
Jamey Keaten,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
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But in the meantime, the team has gotten an update on a familiar face courtesy of their long-time regional foe.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
Noun
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However, this distinction did more than pit pious Americans against an atheist enemy.—
David Williamson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 June 2026
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Dassault’s Mirage fighter – and more recently the Rafale – can creep into enemy airspace, dogfight, drop bombs and launch cruise missiles.—
Joseph Ataman,
CNN Money,
13 June 2026
Noun
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But Republican rival Steve Hilton slammed the group for political opportunism.—
Ben Paviour,
Sacbee.com,
20 June 2026
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The idea is that even rivals can find common ground over a beverage.—
Ralphie Aversa,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Noun
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The project, written by Oliver Draiv, explores the origins of Sherlock Holmes’ greatest adversary against the backdrop of modern-day Turin.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
18 June 2026
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One of the project’s most significant adversaries is the city of Sacramento — while the area is not under their governance, city officials argue the development would violate a decades-old habitat conservation agreement with the county.—
Jennah Pendleton,
Sacbee.com,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Opponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opponent. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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