1
as in foe
one that takes a position opposite another in a competition or conflict
in martial arts, before the match begins, always bow to your opponent
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in enemy
one that is hostile toward another
the senator has many political opponents who would love to ruin his career
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of opponent
Adjusted defensive efficiency is the number of points given up per 100 possessions, adjusted for opponent.
—
Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 22 Jan. 2025
The order comes as Trump has issued a number of threats against his political opponents, sparking fear Trump Department of Justice officials could abuse the power of the office to initiate investigations or prosecutions into his adversaries.
—Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
Many observers also fear that Trump's Justice Department will prosecute his political opponents — not just Democrats, but also Republicans who are perceived as disloyal.
—Nathaniel Rakich, ABC News, 21 Jan. 2025
Ohio State outscored its opponents 145-75 in the playoffs.
—Jill Martin, CNN, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for opponent 
Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 22 Jan. 2025
The order comes as Trump has issued a number of threats against his political opponents, sparking fear Trump Department of Justice officials could abuse the power of the office to initiate investigations or prosecutions into his adversaries.
—Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
Many observers also fear that Trump's Justice Department will prosecute his political opponents — not just Democrats, but also Republicans who are perceived as disloyal.
—Nathaniel Rakich, ABC News, 21 Jan. 2025
Ohio State outscored its opponents 145-75 in the playoffs.
—Jill Martin, CNN, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for opponent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opponent
Noun
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The mythology surrounding James himself likewise had many authors, all converging toward portraying him as a dashing foe of the bankers and railroad barons who had come to represent the inequities of America’s Gilded Age.—
Joshua Hunt,
New York Times,
15 Jan. 2025
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The title is known for being a time-consuming game that requires hours of grinding to level up one's character to defeat foes.—
Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell,
Newsweek,
15 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Some of the soldiers whom Chernov follows into battle remain gung-ho about defeating the enemy, though others, like the filmmaker himself, voice fears that there’s no end in sight.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
24 Jan. 2025
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While past presidents were somewhat willing to work with political rivals or enemies, Trump has always put a greater emphasis on loyalty.—
William Gavin,
Quartz,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The four-episode series, which launches Jan. 21 on the Roku Channel, will feature guests Logan Paul, Jelly Roll, Travis Barker and Cena’s former WWE rival, the Miz.—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
16 Jan. 2025
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But Hamas’ main rival, the Palestinian Authority, has little credibility among Gaza’s residents.—
Asher Kaufman,
The Conversation,
16 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The order comes as Trump has issued a number of threats against his political opponents, sparking fear Trump Department of Justice officials could abuse the power of the office to initiate investigations or prosecutions into his adversaries.—
Rebecca Beitsch,
The Hill,
21 Jan. 2025
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Considerably higher charges are expected on goods from China, which Trump has singled out as a trade adversary, threatening tariffs of as much as 60 percent during his presidential campaign.—
Kristen Waggoner,
Newsweek,
21 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near opponent
Cite this Entry
“Opponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opponent. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.
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