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

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

For 15 seasons, division opponents have helped keep Gang Green buried in the standings. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026

And a Gallup poll last year revealed a majority of Americans feel that both parties have gone too far in their use of inflammatory rhetoric to criticize their opponents. — Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026

So far this season, the Hornets (1-6, 0-4 MAC) have lost to their MAC opponents by an average of 27 points. — Hannah Ruhoff, Sacbee.com, 18 Oct. 2026

After opening the season with a four game road trip — each game the first on home ice for their opponents — the Panthers fell 4-1 to the Minnesota Wild on Saturday in their first game of the 2026-27 season at Amerant Bank Arena. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2026

Annie Vinatieri, a Sugarloaf Township protester, observed that the data center opponents are a combination of working, middle, and upper classes, mostly white, but definitely nonpartisan, including many who are new to environmental protests. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026