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

The question is going to voters because opponents gathered petition signatures forcing a referendum. — Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026

The Cougars had started the season 1-5 and had one of the nation’s worst-performing offenses, being shut out in 13 of their 20 quarters against FBS opponents. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2026

His opponents have made that lack of accountability a central campaign theme. — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 25 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

Being able to bear down and wear down opponents is a sign of a good team. — Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026

Since then, Netanyahu has been criticized by opponents for failing to deliver on his promise of restoring regional security. — Chad De Guzman, Time, 19 Oct. 2026

That's two in a row for the Longhorns to unranked opponents as Florida went into Austin on Saturday and left with a 27-24 win. — Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026

If the Justin Herbert-Mike McDaniel offense can get on track, the Chiefs will be facing an entirely different challenge against a team that has lost three straight games — against three good opponents — by one touchdown. — Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2026