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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of opponent
After games, players pulled their opponents into sweaty hugs.
—
Ryan Lenora Brown, NPR, 13 Apr. 2025
But opponents argue the administration is overstepping.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 13 Apr. 2025
Holding Cuomo accountable for his misconduct is the key to victory for any Cuomo opponent.
—Ryan Silverstein, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2025
Miguel said the team has to avoid opening the door for opponents to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 16 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opponent
Ryan Lenora Brown, NPR, 13 Apr. 2025
But opponents argue the administration is overstepping.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 13 Apr. 2025
Holding Cuomo accountable for his misconduct is the key to victory for any Cuomo opponent.
—Ryan Silverstein, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2025
Miguel said the team has to avoid opening the door for opponents to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 16 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opponent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opponent
Noun
-
The foes have made constitutional claims, environmental claims, procedural claims.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Giant games ahead as IM plays CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals this Thursday at Vancouver and April 30 vs. the same foe in Fort Lauderdale, with an MLS home match vs. Dallas in between next Sunday.—
Greg Cote,
Miami Herald,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Some were emblazoned with images of Maximilian I of Bavaria and Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand III. Further, archaeologists discovered fragments of lead bullets and deposits of metal wheels — which were likely safeguarded to prevent them from falling into enemy hands after the army left camp.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
18 Apr. 2025
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The character went from being Emily’s friend to becoming her enemy as the two wrestled in a love triangle with Gabriel.—
Vivian Kwarm,
New York Daily News,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Carole Baskin, an animal rights activist and Maldonado's rival, also starred in the show.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
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No rivals, no rows about gifts, no fireworks back home.—
Matt Slater,
New York Times,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The United States' closest regional ally, Israel, has historically been highly skeptical of any talks with Iran that could lead to a nuclear deal, partly because Iran has vowed to destroy Israel, its longtime adversary.—
Kim Hjelmgaard,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
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Bypassing the need to downlink data to ground stations scattered around the world will also mitigate security concerns, such as possible interception of data by adversary actors.—
Tereza Pultarova,
Space.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Opponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opponent. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.
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