OPPORTUNIST Synonyms: 21 Similar and Opposite Words

opportunist

noun

ˌä-pər-ˈtü-nist

Definition of opportunist

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

Relevance

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

altruist

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 opportunist In a review of tap-to-pay cases across the country, CNBC found a mix of low-level opportunists and organized crime rings. — Gabrielle Fonrouge,scott Zamost,anna Gleason, CNBC, 17 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for opportunist

Recent Examples of Synonyms for opportunist

Noun

Autumn moor grass has chameleon personalities, emerging early and offering evolving colors and textures as the seasons pass.

— Teresa Woodard, Midwest Living, 21 Aug. 2026
The relaxed fit gives it a cool, chameleon-like quality that works for everything from city strolls to upscale dinners.

— Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of chameleon

Noun

Notre Dame men's hoops has become a bottom-feeder in the ACC under Micah Shrewsberry, with a losing record in each of his three seasons, and its best players bolted for better NIL opportunities in the spring.

— Pete Sampson, New York Times, 26 June 2026
Use worms fished right on the bottom to entice the subtle-striking bottom-feeders.

— Chad Mason, Outdoor Life, 3 June 2026

Definition of bottom-feeder

Noun

The data illustrates how sharks can cover vast distances in a year, said Bradley Peterson, the Stony Brook University marine scientist working with Metzger this particular day.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026
How to stay safe Unprovoked shark attacks are relatively rare in the United States.

— Heather McCarron, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of shark

Noun

By default, these devices mark the wearer not only as a geek, but as a try-hard and an egoist.

— Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
The former vice-president’s characterizations of peers such as Pete Buttigieg (talented but too gay for the America to accept as her running mate), and Josh Shapiro (an egoist) are not particularly juicy, but have already caused bad blood.

— Book Marks September 25, Literary Hub, 25 Sep. 2025

Definition of egoist

Noun

Matt Damon plays Odysseus as a gruff, practical tactician, rather than an energetically inventive and morally dubious schemer.

— Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 17 July 2026
The Intrigue, Silvia Moreno-Garcia (July 14) Advertisement For a handsome schemer in Mexico during the 1940s, love and longing may be the best way to an income.

— Hamilton Cain, Time, 7 July 2026

Definition of schemer

Browse Nearby Words

opportunism

opportunist

opportunistic

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Style

“Opportunist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opportunist. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of opportunist

noun

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