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
Chantz Martin, Fox News, 23 Mar. 2025
Taking on top opponents around the country, there was little time for the Knights to question his decisions.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2025
Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 2025
Zach Attack The Kings need Zach LaVine to come out on the attack against a Memphis defense that ranks sixth in opponent field-goal percentage (.455), 10th in defensive rating (111.8) and 11th in opponent 3-point percentage (.356).
—Sacramento Bee, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opponent
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Noun
Barkley pointed to the quality of the opponents who defeated Auburn.
—Chantz Martin, Fox News, 23 Mar. 2025
Taking on top opponents around the country, there was little time for the Knights to question his decisions.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
The Razorbacks rank No. 72 in opponent 3-point percentage (31.9).
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 2025
Zach Attack The Kings need Zach LaVine to come out on the attack against a Memphis defense that ranks sixth in opponent field-goal percentage (.455), 10th in defensive rating (111.8) and 11th in opponent 3-point percentage (.356).
—Sacramento Bee, 17 Mar. 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 27 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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