1
as in foes
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in enemies
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
Examples 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 opponents
As the Lightning enter the NHL’s three-day holiday break, Cooper said playing the Panthers on back-to-back nights was a great team-building opportunity after an early-season schedule that was light on Atlantic Division opponents.
—
Eduardo A. Encina, Orlando Sentinel, 24 Dec. 2024
But the Bucs finish at home against an easier pair of opponents (Panthers, Saints), so this race isn’t over.
—Jeff Howe and Austin Mock, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024
Collectively, the victorious teams punted just 9 times, while their opponents were forced to punt 22 times.
—Giovanni Malloy, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
The Broncos face the Bengals and Chiefs to conclude the regular season, which are both formidable opponents with two of the best quarterbacks in the league.
—James Boyd, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024
The Theatre of Dreams no longer intimidates opponents.
—Felipe Cardenas, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024
Seeing and decrying enemies at every turn inevitably hardens those opponents against you.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 24 Dec. 2024
There will be more low blocks from opponents, more wet and windy days, more struggles to convert in attack and battles to hold it all together in defence.
—Liam Twomey, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
Alabama complaining about having to schedule easier nonconference opponents in the future for a better shot at making the College Football Playoff is quite amusing.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Dec. 2024
Eduardo A. Encina, Orlando Sentinel, 24 Dec. 2024
But the Bucs finish at home against an easier pair of opponents (Panthers, Saints), so this race isn’t over.
—Jeff Howe and Austin Mock, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024
Collectively, the victorious teams punted just 9 times, while their opponents were forced to punt 22 times.
—Giovanni Malloy, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
The Broncos face the Bengals and Chiefs to conclude the regular season, which are both formidable opponents with two of the best quarterbacks in the league.
—James Boyd, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024
The Theatre of Dreams no longer intimidates opponents.
—Felipe Cardenas, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024
Seeing and decrying enemies at every turn inevitably hardens those opponents against you.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 24 Dec. 2024
There will be more low blocks from opponents, more wet and windy days, more struggles to convert in attack and battles to hold it all together in defence.
—Liam Twomey, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
Alabama complaining about having to schedule easier nonconference opponents in the future for a better shot at making the College Football Playoff is quite amusing.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opponents
Noun
-
Since then, the Giants have lost five more and been outscored 140-59 by their opponents, while Dallas has won four of five and outscored its foes, 137-111.Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 23 Dec. 2024
-
On the other side, Nebraska faces off against fellow Big Ten titan Penn State in a clash of familiar foes.Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Seeing and decrying enemies at every turn inevitably hardens those opponents against you.The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 24 Dec. 2024
-
This is precisely what Patel has threatened to do by calling for retribution against political enemies.Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Indeed, everyone—businesses, allied governments, and adversaries—will be trying to figure out what is happening within a chaotic administration, and, if possible, to shape it.Henry Farrell, Foreign Affairs, 23 Dec. 2024
-
Whatever the origin, America’s inner conflict now feels comparable to the pivotal decade when Xiao and his liberal adversaries fought over China’s future.Chang Che, The New Yorker, 21 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
The company offers better pay and benefits than its competitors, Starbucks said.Max Zahn, ABC News, 24 Dec. 2024
-
Quickly, competitors tweaked the method and opened their own training companies based on similar principles.Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near opponents
Cite this Entry
“Opponents.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opponents. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share