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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of opponents
After a shocking few weeks of first round and quarterfinal competition, semifinal opponents are set and the College Football Playoff national championship is just around the corner.
—
Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
Both Isaacs boys pinned their opponents, as did DeLand’s Gerald ‘Taz’ Logan III, another dual-sport athlete.
—Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
The Lakers have come into several games lacking their normal firepower this season, and the younger, deeper opponents who sense blood in the water have been taking advantage of those situations.
—Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
That’s the principal threat raised by opponents of the California proposal.
—Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Rita declined to comment on the upcoming primary or on the three previous opponents.
—Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
In addition to the referendum campaign, opponents have filed a bevy of lawsuits to block the map from taking effect ahead of the 2026 election.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026
The ruling was followed by a series of similar lawsuits in Chico, Eureka, and Orange County, prompting the passage in 2021 of Assembly Bill 1344, which prevents opponents from suing safe syringe programs in California on the basis of noncompliance with California Environmental Quality Act.
—Albert Chern, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
In New York City, State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani won the mayoral race against high-profile opponents.
—Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
Both Isaacs boys pinned their opponents, as did DeLand’s Gerald ‘Taz’ Logan III, another dual-sport athlete.
—Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
The Lakers have come into several games lacking their normal firepower this season, and the younger, deeper opponents who sense blood in the water have been taking advantage of those situations.
—Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
That’s the principal threat raised by opponents of the California proposal.
—Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Rita declined to comment on the upcoming primary or on the three previous opponents.
—Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
In addition to the referendum campaign, opponents have filed a bevy of lawsuits to block the map from taking effect ahead of the 2026 election.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026
The ruling was followed by a series of similar lawsuits in Chico, Eureka, and Orange County, prompting the passage in 2021 of Assembly Bill 1344, which prevents opponents from suing safe syringe programs in California on the basis of noncompliance with California Environmental Quality Act.
—Albert Chern, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
In New York City, State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani won the mayoral race against high-profile opponents.
—Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opponents
Noun
-
Cuba joined Iran, Russia and other foes of Washington in condemning the raid at the United Nations.—
Robert Muggah,
Fortune,
5 Jan. 2026
-
The Cardinals opened this season with wins over New Orleans and Carolina before dropping close games to division foes San Francisco and Seattle.—
Doug Haller,
New York Times,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Davie’s successor will inherit an organization wrestling with its place in a media ecosystem dominated by overseas tech giants, as well as battling enemies closer to home, with conservative politicians and media proprietors wishing to see the BBC diminished during charter renewal.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
9 Jan. 2026
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Even paranoiacs have enemies, maybe rendering their paranoia a rational response.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
At certain points, Pelosi and Hoyer were seen as rivals vying for the speakership — a role that only Pelosi ended up securing.—
Nikole Killion,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
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The short, but so far rather sweet, voyage of the Chelsea Under-21 boss at the first-team helm will feature one last stop just across the Thames against west London rivals Fulham.—
Jack Bantock,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Both nations boast vast petroleum reserves and extensive mineral wealth, long positioning themselves as anti-imperialist adversaries of the US.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
7 Jan. 2026
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See video … STEPHEN MILLER – Our adversaries can no longer use Venezuela to export terrorism worldwide.—
,
FOXNews.com,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Colloquial slang in reverence to the most maniacal competitors.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Cerdier added that Turkey is slowing down due to Asian competitors, while Western Europe is likely to remain stable, focusing on premium, sustainable and recycled denim rather than volume.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Opponents.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opponents. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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