opponent

noun

ə-ˈpō-nənt How to pronounce opponent (audio)
Definition of opponentnext
1
as in foe
one that takes a position opposite another in a competition or conflict in martial arts, before the match begins, always bow to your opponent

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in enemy
one that is hostile toward another the senator has many political opponents who would love to ruin his career

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 opponent Getty Images Abdullah Mason took a huge risk with a tricky last-minute, late opponent in Albert Bell, and there were some tense moments early. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026 The revised approach — being more of a spot fighter instead of trying to drown his opponent with relentless physicality — was underscored by a new, loftier goal, according to Wittman. — Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 6 July 2026 Eury Perez’s chance at immortality, his opportunity to join one of the most exclusive clubs in baseball history, was stymied Sunday — not by the opponent but by his own manager. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026 Other opponents include Planned Parenthood, the California School Boards Assn. — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for opponent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opponent
  1. foe
  2. enemy
  3. rival
  4. adversary
Noun
  • Unrestricted free agents Marcus Smart, 32, and Luke Kennard, 30, agreed to deals with Western Conference foes.
    — Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • There is so much evil and suffering in the world, so much conniving and malicious intent, and the self is, at least, a familiar foe.
    — Meghan O’Gieblyn, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
Definition of foe
Noun
  • His death in an enemy attack plays into a powerful Shi'ite tradition of martyrdom and mourning, in which processions of flagellants beat their chests or backs.
    — Parisa Hafezi, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • The day for battle is near, many of our enemies are arming themselves.
    — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Definition of enemy
Noun
  • The South American rivals may just end up facing each other in a week.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • Adding another defender became even more important after guard Marcus Smart signed with Western Conference rival Houston.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of rival
Noun
  • Once Puma reached space as well, the vehicles were tasked with rapid acquisition, rendezvousing and assessment operations to simulate the interception and characterization of potential adversary spacecraft.
    — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 3 July 2026
  • After losing their cattle to disease, the two joined fellow rancher Beulah Jackson (Annette Bening), initially a major adversary, and her 10 Petal Ranch.
    — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Definition of adversary

Browse Nearby Words

opinions
opponent
opponents
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Cite this Entry

“Opponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opponent. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on opponent

Nglish: Translation of opponent for Spanish Speakers

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