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

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

The Chargers are 10-2 entering Tuesday night games and have shut out five opponents. — Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

But neither opponents nor his own Labour Party legislators have been able to grill him on the details of pledges made against the tough backdrop of mounting security challenges and economic pressure from the Iran war. — ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026

Melanie Melanie came to this reunion prepared with both facts and a prosecutorial confrontation style that effectively intimidates all of her on-stage opponents. — Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026

But regardless of potential opponents, Alcaraz isn’t looking that far ahead. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026

That happened because the transition to the NCAA took place quickly, and other Big Sky teams didn’t have room in their schedules to accommodate BSU, who had the two nonconference opponents count. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 31 Aug. 2026

During Putin’s first 20 years in power, his political opponents were rarely charged with political crimes. — Andrei Soldatov, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 2026