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

Merger opponents planned a Sunday evening rally outside Bonta’s offices in Oakland to encourage him to stand tough. — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026

This tied the court between reformers and their opponents, leaving Arévalo without a reliable majority. — Will Freeman, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2026

Her association with the Democratic Socialists of America is a point of friction within the Florida Democratic top ticket, and Republican opponents are using it as a point of attack. — Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2026

Following the fatwa’s issuance, el Sayed far outraised his Democratic primary opponents in direct campaign contributions. — Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 20 Sep. 2026

The issue, though, is the lack of challenge posed by conference opponents. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 19 Sep. 2026

The Fighting Hawks, who lost 38-17 to the Huskers in 2022, dropped to 1-17 against Football Bowl Subdivision opponents. — ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026

The Blazers consistently schedule difficult nonconference opponents, often from higher classifications, to prepare for their 5A-East Conference slate. — Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026

Williams expects the Seahawks to receive their opponents’ best each week. — Andrew Destin, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026