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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of opponent
The Cubs’ 21 hits for the game were a season high for a Marlins’ opponent.
—
Steve Gorten, Miami Herald, 21 May 2025
In a lopsided Meridian library race, incumbent Jeff Kohler and newcomer Garrett Castle breezed by two opponents, Phil Reynolds and Mike Hon, who were part of a group that tried to dissolve the library district in 2023.
—Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 21 May 2025
This approach will disarm an opponent’s ability to double-team and pack the paint while also providing the Sky more varied scoring options.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
Madrid’s lack of defensive intensity means their opponents can progress upfield with little fear at times, knowing that Ancelotti’s forward line does not provide their team-mates the protection that comes with pressing from the front.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for opponent
Steve Gorten, Miami Herald, 21 May 2025
In a lopsided Meridian library race, incumbent Jeff Kohler and newcomer Garrett Castle breezed by two opponents, Phil Reynolds and Mike Hon, who were part of a group that tried to dissolve the library district in 2023.
—Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 21 May 2025
This approach will disarm an opponent’s ability to double-team and pack the paint while also providing the Sky more varied scoring options.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
Madrid’s lack of defensive intensity means their opponents can progress upfield with little fear at times, knowing that Ancelotti’s forward line does not provide their team-mates the protection that comes with pressing from the front.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for opponent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opponent
Noun
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The Twins beat the Royals 5-4 on Saturday afternoon at Target Field, using a Lee single to capture their second win in as many days over their division foes.—
Betsy Helfand,
Twin Cities,
24 May 2025
-
Marvel films are littered with figures we’re supposed to identify with who triumph over their foes by showily revealing their true selves.—
Katy Waldman,
New Yorker,
24 May 2025
Noun
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The absence of cloud cover that day exposed the Liberators even more to enemy fire.—
Linda Dudik,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 May 2025
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The team cites the cosmic horror vibes of movies like Prometheus and the encroaching threat of intimidating enemies such as the Zerg from StarCraft as key inspirations for the game world.—
David Jagneaux,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
Noun
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Meanwhile, Alex closed the season by proposing a merger between her struggling network, UBA, and its rival, NBN, after discovering that tech powerhouse and potential UBA buyer Paul was spying on her co-workers.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
28 May 2025
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The Braves will play Trinity League rival Santa Margarita in Friday’s 7 p.m. Division 1 championship game at Cal State Fullerton.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
28 May 2025
Noun
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Ruben Amorim trudged slowly onto the pitch, first making his way to his victorious adversary but putting into their embrace a fraction of the enthusiasm that Ange Postecoglou offered.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
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This achievement signals to our adversaries and allies alike that the U.S. is prepared to meet the challenges of today's environment from a position of strength and security.—
Isabel van Brugen,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Opponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opponent. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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