OPPONENT Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

opponent

noun

ə-ˈpō-nənt

Definition of opponent

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in enemy

one that is hostile toward another the senator has many political opponents who would love to ruin his career

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 By comparison, Ehudin shot a 2-over 72, but Quackenbush said his opponent refused to go away. — Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 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 At a Monday press conference with former primary opponent Mallory McMorrow, el Sayed steered clear of Israel and Piker. — Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 31 Aug. 2026 Trump has been an outspoken opponent of any role for the federal government helping with childcare, one of the biggest costs for families. — Brian Mann, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opponent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for opponent

Noun

Only five of their 2026 opponents had winning records last season, and their nine league opponents combined for a 28-53 record against Big Ten foes.

— Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
But this season, their division foes haven’t gotten any easier, and the rest of the league is out to test whether quarterback Sam Darnold can maintain last season’s star-worthy production.

— NBC Sports, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of foe

Noun

Blanche’s immediate predecessor, Pam Bondi, was ousted in April after failing to deliver successful prosecutions against the president’s political enemies.

— Alanna Durkin Richer, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Rather than law enforcement authorities like the Coast Guard having to seize a vessel under civil seizure laws, the Department of Defense, usually through military force, can seize an enemy vessel instead.

— Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of enemy

Noun

Games against the division rival Sabres and Canadiens also will be televised nationally.

— Eduardo A. Encina, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
Anthropic’s primary tech industry rival, ChatGPT maker OpenAI, made its own deal to work with the Pentagon just hours after the government punished Anthropic for its stance.

— Kaitlyn Huamani, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of rival

Noun

The designation, which meant no part of the Pentagon including contractors could work with Anthropic’s products, had previously been used only for companies seen as connected to foreign adversaries.

— Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
And who knows — maybe friends like NATO and adversaries around the world would chip in to help.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of adversary

Browse Nearby Words

opinions

opponent

opponents

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Style

“Opponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opponent. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of opponent

noun

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