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
Mark Hinkle, president of the Silicon Valley Taxpayers Association and an opponent of the measure, said that the initial results indicated to him that the taxpayers still have a chance to not pay the new tax.
—
Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 8 May 2025
Supporters argue that selling public lands will empower states and local communities to better utilize resources for economic gain, while opponents warn that such sales threaten public access, conservation efforts and indigenous rights.
—Dan Cody, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
The most effective leaders don’t win by overpowering their opponents.
—Stephen Miles, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
James has been one of Trump’s most visible legal opponents since his return to the Oval Office.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for opponent
Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 8 May 2025
Supporters argue that selling public lands will empower states and local communities to better utilize resources for economic gain, while opponents warn that such sales threaten public access, conservation efforts and indigenous rights.
—Dan Cody, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
The most effective leaders don’t win by overpowering their opponents.
—Stephen Miles, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
James has been one of Trump’s most visible legal opponents since his return to the Oval Office.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for opponent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opponent
Noun
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From foe to friend: the Los Angeles Kings have hired Ken Holland as their new general manager.—
Carol Schram,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
-
Find out if ants are friends or foes to your peonies, plus how to remove them before bringing cut peony flowers indoors.—
Anne Readel,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 May 2025
Noun
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Coming from an impoverished family, Ding eagerly took part in public humiliation rallies against teachers, intellectuals, government officials and others labeled as enemies of Mao’s vision.—
Nectar Gan,
CNN Money,
12 May 2025
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Asking everyone else to leave, the two enemies have a private conversation that finally gets Faye out of Specter Litt Williams for good.—
Tanya Melendez,
EW.com,
9 May 2025
Noun
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If Boasberg buys Meta's argument that TikTok is actually Meta's biggest rival—and not Snap or MeWe—Meta could have an easier time shutting down the case.—
Ashley Belanger – May 16,
ArsTechnica,
16 May 2025
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That was the worry among some of the Los Angeles Kings’ faithful – and a source of joy among fans of their rivals – as Holland was introduced as the Kings’ general manager on Thursday.—
Eric Stephens,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
Noun
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That doesn’t bode well for the thousands of American businesses that are currently paralyzed by Trump’s 145% tariffs on most imports from China, an adversary that’s not so charmed by the president’s 11th-hour shenanigans and is America’s third-largest trading partner.—
Allison Morrow,
CNN Money,
9 May 2025
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America’s adversaries want secrets and are good at uncovering them.—
Anna Mulrine Grobe,
Christian Science Monitor,
8 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Opponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opponent. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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