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
Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
The defensive interior could not cause problems for either opponent.
—Steve Silverman, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 26 Feb. 2025
Florida currently ranks third nationally in opponent effective field-goal percentage (43%), making life miserable for opposing offenses.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 1 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opponent
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Noun
Regardless of who an opponent tries to take away, the other receiver should have a very favorable matchup.
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
The defensive interior could not cause problems for either opponent.
—Steve Silverman, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
The Knicks already struggle to defend the perimeter — ranking dead-last in opponent three-point percentage — and the lack of a true paint presence is only amplifying that weakness.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 26 Feb. 2025
Florida currently ranks third nationally in opponent effective field-goal percentage (43%), making life miserable for opposing offenses.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 1 Feb. 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 14 Mar. 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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