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

Guys will make a mistake that will lead to busted assignments, penalties, big plays for the opponents, if not a touchdown. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2026

The Knights have lost two games after opponents came up with one-handed, game-winning catches in the closing seconds, making Friday’s blowout setback a bit of an aberration. — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026

Ironically, at the time, one of the strongest opponents of the documentary was Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 4 Oct. 2026

The Jayhawks have now held two of their first four opponents to 150 yards of total offense or less. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 4 Oct. 2026

The replay spread across social media, where fans dissected the contact frame by frame and once again accused WNBA officials of allowing opponents to take non-basketball shots at Clark without immediate consequences. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026

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