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

Her decision to run in the district drew criticism from her four Black opponents and other Black Democrats who have already been impacted by Republican redistricting efforts in southern states. — Hannah Demissie, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026

The group included 13 Republicans and three Democrats, while several incumbents without general election opponents secured their return to the House. — Sergio Candido, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

Rimpinen competes to get to second chances and anticipates opponents’ passes very well. — Corey Pronman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

So aldermanic opponents of the mayor reacted strongly when Steven Mahr, then Johnson’s acting CFO, hedged last month on whether the city would make good. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026

His opponents do, too, including Donalds; former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner; and investor James Fishback. — Michael Van Sickler, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026

If Sammis’ vision is executed correctly, then the Horned Frogs will have an offense that can still generate the same chunk plays in the passing game, but also have the ability to wear opponents down in the second half. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Aug. 2026

Oklahoma, where Daniels played last season, shared several common opponents with LSU, where Perkins spent his four-year college career. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Darline Graham, who’s serving out her brother’s current term, is running for a full term with the president’s endorsement and nine Republican opponents — a few of whom actually have the resources and name recognition to compete with her. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 11 Aug. 2026