Synonyms of opportunist

opportunist

noun

ˌä-pər-ˈtü-nist 

1

as in chameleon

a person who dexterously and expediently changes or adopts opinions

ever the opportunist, she immediately set about becoming the incoming administrator's new best friend

Synonyms & Similar Words

• chameleon
• chancer
• weathercock
• egotist
• egoist
• timeserver
• acrobat
• trimmer
• schemer
• conniver
• self-seeker
• plotter
• temporizer
• machinator

2

as in bottom-feeder

one who does things only for his own benefit and with little regard for right and wrong

an opportunist who makes friends and then drops them as soon as they aren't useful anymore

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bottom-feeder
• chancer
• shark
• self-seeker
• egotist
• egoist
• schemer
• temporizer
• conniver
• machinator
• egocentric
• plotter
• hanger-on
• leech
• barracuda

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• altruist

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of opportunist

They are hired hands and stewards of other people’s capital, with no desire to becoming embroiled in internecine squabbles between clashing advocates, parochial activists, and plain opportunists latching on to the moment. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 28 June 2026

Indeed, once the former’s economic situation forces them to withdraw from hosting duties just four years before kickoff, the opportunist pulls out every unscrupulous trick in the book to thwart the rival bids from, ironically, Canada and USA. — Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 10 June 2026

Some residents allege illnesses like Ebola are elevated by opportunists trying to profit. — Ope Adetayo, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2026

As pressure mounts to identify the gunman, opportunists emerge from every corner, eager to exploit the chaos and dismantle the empire Madam fought to build. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 2 June 2026