opponent

1 of 2

noun

op·​po·​nent ə-ˈpō-nənt How to pronounce opponent (audio)
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

opponent

2 of 2

adjective

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
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.
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

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from Medieval Latin oppōnent-, oppōnens "one who proposes something for discussion," from present participle of Latin oppōnere "to place as an obstacle, set in opposition to, argue in reply" — more at oppose

Adjective

borrowed from Latin oppōnent-, oppōnens, present participle of oppōnere "to place as an obstacle, set in opposition to, argue in reply" — more at oppose

First Known Use

Noun

1553, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of opponent was in 1553

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Opponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opponent. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

opponent

noun
op·​po·​nent
ə-ˈpō-nənt
: a person or thing that opposes another

Medical Definition

opponent

noun
op·​po·​nent ə-ˈpō-nənt How to pronounce opponent (audio)
: a muscle that opposes or counteracts and limits the action of another

More from Merriam-Webster on opponent

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