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
Relevance
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
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
Trump has repeatedly drawn an equivalence between the Russia controversy and the Epstein case, suggesting both amounted to conspiracy-mongering by his political opponents.
—
Josh Wingrove, Fortune, 19 July 2025
Mixed martial arts competitor Lukas has just handily defeated his opponent and celebrates with his wife, child and friends backstage, setting the scene for a nimble combination of communal bonding and looming horrors.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 18 July 2025
For years, Trump and his allies, including Patel and Bongino, promoted conspiracy theories about Epstein’s death and suggested that damaging evidence would eventually surface, implicating political opponents.
—Nik Popli, Time, 18 July 2025
This machinery radicalizes communities, recruits operatives, launders funds, and targets opponents abroad.
—Roya Boroumand, Time, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for opponent
Josh Wingrove, Fortune, 19 July 2025
Mixed martial arts competitor Lukas has just handily defeated his opponent and celebrates with his wife, child and friends backstage, setting the scene for a nimble combination of communal bonding and looming horrors.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 18 July 2025
For years, Trump and his allies, including Patel and Bongino, promoted conspiracy theories about Epstein’s death and suggested that damaging evidence would eventually surface, implicating political opponents.
—Nik Popli, Time, 18 July 2025
This machinery radicalizes communities, recruits operatives, launders funds, and targets opponents abroad.
—Roya Boroumand, Time, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for opponent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opponent
Noun
-
At the same time, Trump touts his Golden Dome missile shield, meant to protect the homeland and give America greater freedom of action against its foes.—
Hal Brands,
Twin Cities,
13 July 2025
-
Again, funny, but offers no hint as to the future of Superman or his various friends and foes in the DC Comics film adaptations.—
Eliana Dockterman,
Time,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
Trump appointed Bondi as attorney general after numerous reports suggested the president wanted a loyalist who would do his bidding and seek retribution against his enemies, after Trump faced pushback in his first term from previous attorneys general like William Barr.—
Alison Durkee,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
-
Still, fun enemy designs – such as one pictured above based on the Hydnellum peckii (bleeding tooth fungus) – already started to come together.—
Fran Ruiz,
Space.com,
12 July 2025
Noun
-
The same could be said for other states threatened by nuclear-armed rivals.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
14 July 2025
-
In the process, the land is torn apart by fierce rivals, shifting loyalties, and bloody betrayals.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
The breach was later attributed to a foreign adversary targeting airport infrastructure, and although no lives were lost, the impact on travel, commerce and public confidence was significant.—
Emil Sayegh,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
-
In the last year, Israel has managed to significantly degrade the capabilities of its adversaries, particularly Lebanon’s Hezbollah, and its June conflict with Iran – with the help of the U.S. – was widely seen as having dealt a significant blow to Tehran’s abilities to harm the Jewish state.—
Natasha Turak,
CNBC,
18 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Opponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opponent. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share