OPPONENT Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

opponent

noun

ə-ˈpō-nənt

Definition of opponent

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

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 Plenty of the ball, xG more than twice that of their opponents but no shots on target. — Stuart James, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026 This opponent has some very good athletes to challenge the Warriors. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opponent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for opponent

Noun

Now first-year head coach Joe Brady will make his debut in a locale where Allen never has won and against a hungry foe.

— Tim Graham, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026
The 49ers and Rams had different travel plans to Australia, but the game is still a matchup between two familiar foes.

— Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of foe

Noun

They can be seen as the external expression of an aspect of America our true-believing enemies have learned to hate and fear.

— Robert Stone, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026
Heath Ledger’s Joker is an enemy who doesn’t play by the rules, attacking the city with no clear political goal beyond creating panic and chaos.

— Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of enemy

Noun

After rolling over their division rivals, the plan for the flight back was more simple.

— Matt Barrows, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
The eighth edition of the Sunset Showdown lasted long after the sun went down — about four hours and 10 minutes later — before host Palisades prevailed 56-50 over crosstown rival Brentwood in four overtimes.

— Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of rival

Noun

Another recent survey found roughly one in five Americans endorse harassment, doxxing, or even violence against their political adversaries.

— Joe Daniels, Time, 11 Sep. 2026
Such skills are a key priority of national governments, which want to service and upgrade their own satellites — and keep tabs on the activities of adversary craft.

— Mike Wall, Space.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of adversary

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opinions

opponent

opponents

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“Opponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opponent. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of opponent

noun

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