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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of opponents
While the ruling was a win for death penalty opponents fighting against the use of nitrogen gas, the court stopped short of granting Lee a stay of execution or attempting to banish the method altogether.
—
Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 9 June 2026
Their opponents, who sought to defeat the Constitution’s ratification, were then dubbed the Anti-Federalists, much to the latter’s consternation.
—Jordan Cash, The Conversation, 8 June 2026
That election proved an opportunity for data center opponents to take their anger to the polls, voting councilmembers Jared Fears and Bridget McCandless off the dais and declining to support McCandless’ mayoral run.
—Ilana Arougheti
june 8, Kansas City Star, 8 June 2026
And merger opponents are certainly citing the CBS News controversies in their campaigning.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 8 June 2026
Now New Trier’s opponents are stuck trying to guard Randall, a task that is becoming increasingly difficult with every passing year.
—Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
One of my opponents even has an AI company funding his race.
—Jack Schlossberg, New York Daily News, 8 June 2026
One 2020 Harris fundraiser said her opponents would seize on her not calling on Biden to drop out earlier in a potential 2028 debate.
—Juhi Doshi, ABC News, 8 June 2026
The three-loss teams outside of Vannini’s top 12 had conference opponents and rivalry games left to play, yet the results had no bearing on Playoff positioning.
—Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 1 June 2026
Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 9 June 2026
Their opponents, who sought to defeat the Constitution’s ratification, were then dubbed the Anti-Federalists, much to the latter’s consternation.
—Jordan Cash, The Conversation, 8 June 2026
That election proved an opportunity for data center opponents to take their anger to the polls, voting councilmembers Jared Fears and Bridget McCandless off the dais and declining to support McCandless’ mayoral run.
—Ilana Arougheti
june 8, Kansas City Star, 8 June 2026
And merger opponents are certainly citing the CBS News controversies in their campaigning.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 8 June 2026
Now New Trier’s opponents are stuck trying to guard Randall, a task that is becoming increasingly difficult with every passing year.
—Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
One of my opponents even has an AI company funding his race.
—Jack Schlossberg, New York Daily News, 8 June 2026
One 2020 Harris fundraiser said her opponents would seize on her not calling on Biden to drop out earlier in a potential 2028 debate.
—Juhi Doshi, ABC News, 8 June 2026
The three-loss teams outside of Vannini’s top 12 had conference opponents and rivalry games left to play, yet the results had no bearing on Playoff positioning.
—Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 1 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opponents
Noun
-
Bolton is one of three prominent Trump foes who were indicted in federal court during the president's second, nonconsecutive term in the White House.—
Dan Mangan,
CNBC,
4 June 2026
-
But the stark contrast between the two NFC West foes was underscored Monday with the Rams’ blockbuster trade with the Cleveland Browns to acquire future Hall of Fame pass rusher Myles Garrett.—
Chris Biderman,
Sacbee.com,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
Upon completion of the new section in 1938, Santa Fe–and Hannett’s political enemies–were cut off from the economic engine of Route 66.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
-
Who would do a series with two enemies who wanted to kill each other?—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
There followed a series of European successes (Italy, Spain, Germany, France) before the anguish, for Brazilians, of seeing big South American rivals Argentina win a third world title in Qatar four years ago.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
14 June 2026
-
Newsday via Getty Images The Atlanta Braves entered the season expecting to face a significant challenge from their division rivals, particularly after the New York Mets revamped their own roster with several star additions.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
The move suggests a broader shift in Tehran, where a new generation of leaders is increasingly abandoning the cautious, reactive approach that long defined the Islamic Republic’s strategy towards its adversaries.—
Abbas Al Lawati,
CNN Money,
10 June 2026
-
Nicaragua’s government has also imprisoned adversaries, religious leaders, journalists and more, then exiled them, stripping hundreds of their citizenship and possessions.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
The gaming division has been squeezed by competitors such as PlayStation and Nintendo, whose Switch consoles are some of the most popular on the market (PlayStation 5 also dominates).—
Sebastian Herrera,
Fortune,
9 June 2026
-
The downside is that base plans cost more than most competitors.—
Sharon Wu,
USA Today,
9 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Opponents.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opponents. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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