OPPORTUNISM Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

opportunism

noun

Definition of opportunism

as in aggression

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of opportunism It will not be driven by reconstruction necessity, leveraged buyout logic or crisis opportunism. — Murthy Maddali, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 Whether viewed as principled adaptation or political opportunism, Graham repeatedly aligned himself toward the direction South Carolina, Southern and Republican politics were moving. — Christopher A. Cooper, The Conversation, 14 July 2026 Simmons, meanwhile, will receive his opportunities over the coming weeks — his legs and opportunism surely give him an excellent chance to take his first-ever Grand Tour stage win this July. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 7 July 2026 But Republican rival Steve Hilton slammed the group for political opportunism. — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for opportunism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for opportunism

Noun

Large sections of chairs in the hall were empty as delegations filed out in protest of Iranian aggression.

— Robin Wright, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2026
These sensual glimmers are no match for the antagonistic sociality of straight male relationships, which, in this novel, quickly convert sympathy or desire into rivalry and aggression.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of aggression

Noun

Many of the challenges dominating today’s policy debates — from military readiness and economic competitiveness to rising health care costs and declining life expectancy — have roots in childhood.

— Stanley McChrystal, STAT, 29 Sep. 2026
Air connectivity, transportation infrastructure and affordability are integral parts of destination competitiveness.

— Rachel J.C. Fu, Sun Sentinel, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of competitiveness

Noun

Staff members treat patrons like family, a welcome departure from the pretentiousness that sometimes comes with more luxurious bookings.

— Joey Skladany, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026
Gabrielle and Katerina credit the enduring appeal of Dan Tana’s to its persistent lack of pretentiousness.

— Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026

Definition of pretentiousness

Noun

From his first moments onscreen in a performance of Duracell Bunny physicality and motormouth pushiness, Chalamet conveys the sense of a shameless young man willing himself toward greatness with a combination of chutzpah, amorality and unshakeable self-belief.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 1 Dec. 2025
Modi is as nationalistic as Xi, and is no doubt irritated at the confidence and pushiness of its great eastern neighbor.

— Kerry Brown, Time, 4 Sep. 2025

Definition of pushiness

Noun

Organizations tend to notice people who project assertiveness.

— Harvard Business Review, Harvard Business Review, 28 Sep. 2026
Under its five-year plan established in 2022, the country has doubled its defense spending to about 2% of its gross domestic product to build up its Self-Defense Forces’ offensive role to counter China’s growing assertiveness.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of assertiveness

Noun

Blank bulletin board for Hurley Hurley likes to point at preseason rankings and award projections for motivation leading up to and throughout the season.

— Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 1 Oct. 2026
So perhaps Kelce had extra motivation to work out in the offseason, Spruill said.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of motivation

Noun

Gakpo would add firepower to a Tottenham forward line that is technically gifted, but lacks a killer instinct in front of goal.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Aug. 2026
Jon Moxley argued with a conflicted Will Ospreay as Ospreay struggled to find a killer instinct and pull the trigger on his ailing friend.

— Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Definition of killer instinct

Browse Nearby Words

opportuneness

opportunism

opportunist

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Style

“Opportunism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opportunism. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of opportunism

noun

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