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
Synonyms
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
Jason Jones, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025
Among the opponents was Lake Central, whose recent run of dominance included an appearance in the 4A state championship game last year.
—Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025
Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 1 Feb. 2025
Whatever the sport, Brennan is a ferocious competitor, willing to take any opponent head – or hands – on.
—Christian Babcock, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for opponent 
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Noun
The team initially was meant to legitimately compete against the Globetrotters but eventually became the ultimate crash test dummy for its opponents donning red, white and blue on the hardwood.
—Jason Jones, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025
Among the opponents was Lake Central, whose recent run of dominance included an appearance in the 4A state championship game last year.
—Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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
Whatever the sport, Brennan is a ferocious competitor, willing to take any opponent head – or hands – on.
—Christian Babcock, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for opponent
Dictionary Entries Near opponent
Cite this Entry
“Opponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opponent. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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opponent
noun
op·po·nent
ə-ˈpō-nənt
: a muscle that opposes or counteracts and limits the action of another
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