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

John James and Mike Rogers, while both Republicans, are very different political candidates running markedly different campaigns against two very different opponents. — Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026

Meanwhile, opinion journalists for McClatchy Media conducted interviews with supporters and opponents of all 14. — Chris Fusco, Sacbee.com, 1 Nov. 2026

Nieshalla touts the state’s transparency portal and is seeking to include more data on federal grant money coming to Indiana, but her opponents both point out that the portal isn’t very workable for members of the public. — Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026

Beating opponents in their own weight class would be a start. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026

Lowndes and Jefferson moved up after beating Top 10 opponents, and Lithonia and Calhoun reentered the rankings after big wins. — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 1 Nov. 2026

Despite having lost just once, putting together a 44-point win, and possessing an offense that has outscored opponents 187-31 over the last four weeks, Wake Forest did not budge in this week's poll. — Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026

The Lions, as well as the league’s other 29 teams, will play seven games at home and seven on the road — solely against conference opponents. — Scott Turick, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026

Both are part of the Champions Classic, rotating opponents along with Kentucky and Michigan State each season, and many more showdowns have come in the NCAA Tournament, including a national championship game in 1991 won by the Blue Devils. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026