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

Seemingly countless millions of dollars are being spent on the measure, particularly by its wealthy opponents. — Dan Walters, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026

Plus, the Fighting Irish have what appears to be a soft schedule to start the season (the first six opponents had losing records last season). — Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

But the department said the opponents could change their lawsuits to argue against the final version of the policy. — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

The Department of Justice has launched pretextual prosecutions against the President’s political opponents. — Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2026

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

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