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

At the 2024 Olympic Games, Canada used a drone to spy on New Zealand, their opponents in the women’s football group stages. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Prenga, boasting a 20-1 record with 20 KOs, represents a significant step up in competition despite his previous opponents. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Nicaragua’s last election in 2021 was widely disputed after Ortega detained opponents and business leaders and criminalized dissent. — CNN Money, 21 July 2026

Over the last three tournaments, including games against non-Power 4 teams and in-conference opponents, the SEC is just 5-9. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026

Burnham had no opponents in the race to lead the governing Labour Party. — Chloe Taylor,joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 20 July 2026

In New York, progressives benefited when their opponents got helped by groups with links to the Israel lobby. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 14 July 2026

His appointment to the school board raised eyebrows as some questioned if Cervera was more of a Miami guy than a true Broward local — a narrative Cervera pushes back on and his opponents like to bring up. — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

France had previously outscored its opponents 16-2 in this World Cup, led by Golden Boot contenders Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. — Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 14 July 2026