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
Artist Meredith Reynolds believed Platner’s past paled into insignificance when compared with his opponents.
—
David Millward, The Washington Examiner, 7 June 2026
Boston is 7-26 when opponents score first.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 7 June 2026
The starting pitchers have gone at least six innings 15 times during that stretch and held opponents to two runs or less in each of their past 13 games.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 7 June 2026
In von Wilpert, Desmond has an opponent who has won in a purplish suburban district previously held by a Republican and is often considered among the most moderate of San Diego’s nine Democratic City Council members, an image that also will be challenged.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for opponent
David Millward, The Washington Examiner, 7 June 2026
Boston is 7-26 when opponents score first.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 7 June 2026
The starting pitchers have gone at least six innings 15 times during that stretch and held opponents to two runs or less in each of their past 13 games.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 7 June 2026
In von Wilpert, Desmond has an opponent who has won in a purplish suburban district previously held by a Republican and is often considered among the most moderate of San Diego’s nine Democratic City Council members, an image that also will be challenged.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for opponent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opponent
Noun
-
These are mostly just for show and style points though, as Lobo is capable of taking down almost any foe with his bare hands.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
6 June 2026
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The Noises had to face Shoreline Conference foe Coginchaug, the 21st seed, for the fourth time in a Class S softball quarterfinal game.—
Lori Riley,
Hartford Courant,
5 June 2026
Noun
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Because the Russian commanders keep attacking anyway, the Ukrainians are killing and wounding thousands of enemy soldiers, perhaps as many as 30,000, every month.—
Anne Applebaum,
The Atlantic,
7 June 2026
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Hunger and disease are always enemies that accompany war and sometimes can claim more lives than the fighting itself.—
William Lambers,
Hartford Courant,
6 June 2026
Noun
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These two great rivals never raced each other again.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
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In the span of a week, the Golden State Valkyries and Indiana Fever have seemingly become rivals.—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
Noun
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Charter adversaries note that mega-donors helped launch charters, which are mostly non-union, in part, to weaken the influence of unions and redirect public education dollars.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
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The move suggests a broader shift in Tehran, where a new generation of leaders is increasingly abandoning the cautious, reactive approach that long defined the Islamic Republic’s strategy towards its adversaries.—
Abbas Al Lawati,
CNN Money,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Opponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opponent. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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