Synonyms of opponents

opponents

noun

plural of opponent

1

as in foes

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

• foes
• rivals
• adversaries
• competitors
• enemies
• antagonists
• contestants
• matches
• equals
• attackers
• combatants
• invaders
• assailants
• archenemies
• nemeses
• curses
• bêtes noires
• banes

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• allies
• partners
• supporters
• proponents
• advocates
• accomplices
• champions
• confederates
• exponents
• sympathizers

2

as in enemies

one that is hostile toward another

the senator has many political opponents who would love to ruin his career

Synonyms & Similar Words

• enemies
• foes
• adversaries
• hostiles
• antagonists
• attackers
• rivals
• competitors
• combatants
• invaders
• archenemies
• assailants
• archfoes
• ill-wishers
• nemeses
• bêtes noires
• banes
• emulators

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• friends
• allies
• buddies
• colleagues
• partners
• pals
• cronies
• amigos
• chums
• fellows
• comrades
• mates
• musketeers
• collaborators
• compadres
• accomplices
• adherents
• confederates
• supporters
• followers
• abettors
• disciples
• sympathizers
• hearties
• backers
• hail-fellows
• friendlies
• benefactors
• hobnobbers
• exponents
• hail-fellows-well-met
• well-wishers

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of opponents

But the overall picture of religious infighting in 1640s Britain is essential to understanding how some people, especially poorer folk and especially women, found themselves on the wrong side of powerful, pious opponents. — Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026

The Bears slightly outgained the Seminoles 115-112 in the second half, holding their opponents to 13 fourth-quarter yards. — Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026

The Browns’ defense — that turned opponents over without compunction in the preseason — seemed to return to form in Week 2, too. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 27 Sep. 2026

Because Craig played against Ivy League opponents, he was viewed as a risk. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Sep. 2026

The Dodgers have held opponents to four or fewer runs in 108 games, going 82-26 in those contests. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026

The move has sparked backlash, with opponents arguing that part of the purpose of the memorials is their subtle intrusion into everyday life. — Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026

The Block the Merger coalition and other opponents of the deal have filed amicus briefs reiterating their objections. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026

Following the fatwa’s issuance, el Sayed far outraised his Democratic primary opponents in direct campaign contributions. — Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 20 Sep. 2026