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

Mamdani has faced sustained criticism from Jewish organizations and political opponents over his rhetoric on Israel, accusing them of genocide. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 July 2026

When the opportunity arrives, Graves always seems to be in the correct position to knock down an open 3-pointer, deflect an opponent’s pass, grab a loose ball or snag a rebound. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 27 July 2026

Vinicius Jr’s four ‘true’ tackles — tackles plus challenges lost plus fouls committed — per 1,000 opponent touches is below La Liga’s average for an attacking player last season, which does not signal a strong propensity to stick a foot in. — Mark Carey, New York Times, 27 July 2026

Federalists were for this grand gesture, but their opponents, Jeffersonian republicans (later called Democrat-Republicans), were against such monarchical trappings. — Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 27 July 2026