opponent

1 of 2

noun

op·​po·​nent ə-ˈpō-nənt 

1

: one that takes an opposite position (as in a debate, contest, or conflict)

She is a formidable opponent in the race for senator.

opponents of the war

2

: a muscle that opposes or counteracts and limits the action of another

opponent

2 of 2

adjective

1

: antagonistic, opposing

2

: situated in front

Synonyms

Noun

• adversary
• antagonist
• foe
• rival

Examples of opponent in a Sentence

Noun

She is a formidable opponent in the race for senator.

The team's opponents have not lost a game this season.

He knocked out his opponent in the third round.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

That’s precisely why Boston is a matchup problem for nearly every opponent, but especially those with traditional drop-coverage big men. —Shane Young, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025

If the season ended Thursday night, the teams would be first-round opponents, though the seeding shuffling is far from over. —Khobi Price, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2025

Adjective

The Pistons rank second in the association in opponent field-goal percentage (44.9), third in blocks per game (5.8) and fourth in points off turnovers (19.4). —Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025

The Razorbacks rank No. 72 in opponent 3-point percentage (31.9). —Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from Medieval Latin oppōnent-, oppōnens "one who proposes something for discussion," from present participle of Latin oppōnere "to place as an obstacle, set in opposition to, argue in reply" — more at oppose

Adjective

borrowed from Latin oppōnent-, oppōnens, present participle of oppōnere "to place as an obstacle, set in opposition to, argue in reply" — more at oppose

First Known Use

Noun

1553, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for opponent

• component
• deponent
• exponent
• proponent
• multicomponent
• ponent

Kids Definition

opponent

noun

op·​po·​nent

ə-ˈpō-nənt

: a person or thing that opposes another

Medical Definition

opponent

noun

op·​po·​nent ə-ˈpō-nənt 

: a muscle that opposes or counteracts and limits the action of another