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
1
2
: situated in front
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
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
Madrid’s lack of defensive intensity means their opponents can progress upfield with little fear at times, knowing that Ancelotti’s forward line does not provide their team-mates the protection that comes with pressing from the front.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 10 May 2025
Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 11 May 2025
Last season under Griffin, the Bucks were last in opponent transition percentage, meaning teams got out on the run more against the Bucks than any other team.
—Eric Nehm, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opponent
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Noun
This approach will disarm an opponent’s ability to double-team and pack the paint while also providing the Sky more varied scoring options.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
Madrid’s lack of defensive intensity means their opponents can progress upfield with little fear at times, knowing that Ancelotti’s forward line does not provide their team-mates the protection that comes with pressing from the front.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 10 May 2025
Adjective
The Knicks ranked dead last in opponent three-point percentage during the regular season — and it’s caught up to them again.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 11 May 2025
Last season under Griffin, the Bucks were last in opponent transition percentage, meaning teams got out on the run more against the Bucks than any other team.
—Eric Nehm, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opponent
Cite this Entry
“Opponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opponent. Accessed 15 May. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
opponent
noun
op·po·nent
ə-ˈpō-nənt
: a muscle that opposes or counteracts and limits the action of another
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