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

Newsom and other opponents say the initiative would drive the ultra-wealthy out of the state and their departure would blow a hole in the state budget. — Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Ryan argues in a June report by the Lowy Institute that future wars will reward militaries able to recognize battlefield change, absorb lessons and adapt faster than their opponents. — David Kirichenko, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Composed of a roster headlined by top pick Yaxel Lendeborg and genuine NBA rotation players such as Will Richard, LJ Cryer and Malevy Leons, the summer league Warriors smoked their first two opponents at Chase Center. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 7 July 2026

He is not challenged by the four-year cycle of fully democratic elections that leave his Western opponents in search of quick solutions. — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 6 July 2026

Authorities increasingly have used courts and criminal investigations to sideline political opponents, including Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, whose arrest earlier in 2026 triggered nationwide demonstrations, according to Human Rights Watch. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026

The side of the bracket where France sits includes some tough potential opponents. — Doha Madani, NBC news, 1 July 2026

France, the World Cup runner-up four years ago and a tournament favorite this time, has outscored opponents 13-2, with Michael Olise assisting on five goals. — CBS News, 1 July 2026

Rutinel's win continues a national trend of left-leaning Democrats candidates beating moderate opponents in primaries. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 30 June 2026