as in aggressive
attentive to and ready to act on opportunities for personal gain or advancement
The opportunistic salesperson was always on the lookout for potential new customers.
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Recent Examples of opportunistic
The film follows Caiden (Smith), a hapless fitness enthusiast who moves to Los Angeles dreaming of becoming a trainer, only to be diverted by Randy (Krumholtz), an opportunistic Hollywood Boulevard grifter who exploits his likeness to the world’s most famous superhero.
—
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
Because many of these campaigns are driven by volume, little effort is made to distinguish credible claims from opportunistic ones.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Jacksonville’s opportunistic defense recorded yet another takeaway — this time at the goal line as linebacker Devin Lloyd intercepted a would-be Patrick Mahomes touchdown pass and took it 99 yards to the house, giving Jacksonville a 21-14 lead — to increase their league-high tally to 14.
—Mike Jones, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Flying high after a decisive win in the season opener on the road, the Wild instead never held a lead versus an opportunistic Columbus Blue Jackets team.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opportunistic
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
Because many of these campaigns are driven by volume, little effort is made to distinguish credible claims from opportunistic ones.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Jacksonville’s opportunistic defense recorded yet another takeaway — this time at the goal line as linebacker Devin Lloyd intercepted a would-be Patrick Mahomes touchdown pass and took it 99 yards to the house, giving Jacksonville a 21-14 lead — to increase their league-high tally to 14.
—Mike Jones, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Flying high after a decisive win in the season opener on the road, the Wild instead never held a lead versus an opportunistic Columbus Blue Jackets team.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opportunistic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opportunistic
Adjective
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The Dallas Cowboys and team owner Jerry Jones have been very interested in the idea of getting aggressive ahead of the upcoming NFL trade deadline.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
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Unlike their alligator cousins, which are known to occasionally attack people, American crocodiles are shyer and less aggressive.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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For those who are still in therapy, being diligent and consistent with your treatment plan is extremely important for reducing long-term risk.—
Marnie Goodfriend,
Flow Space,
27 Oct. 2025
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Meaning, his sons balance a hearty rotation of sports and academics, but the Farrers are also diligent about working in time for volunteer projects, too.—
Maggie Menderski,
Louisville Courier Journal,
26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Tessa wants a career in criminal justice, and Hannah is an aspiring graphic artist and musician who plays bass in a local band, Exit 23.—
Tribune News Service,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Oct. 2025
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Across the web, singers — professional, aspiring, and recreational — have shared their own covers of the popular song as well.—
Mankaprr Conteh,
Rolling Stone,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Winger Bertrand Traore did his fair share of defensive work, shutting down space in the right channel, and Trai Hume was industrious in pushing up to aid attacks and recovering to avoid being exploited on the counter.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
26 Oct. 2025
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Driving through lush, evergreen rainforest, far past the industrious city of Seattle, a rolling mist creeps in.—
Christina Fang,
Travel + Leisure,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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After an enterprising life, one resilient Colorado casket can finally rest in peace.—
Elizabeth Hernandez,
Denver Post,
16 Oct. 2025
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Then over time, a few enterprising communities and entrepreneurs looked for ways to turn disused asylums into something productive, Rondinone said, something that could bring jobs and revenue back once again.—
Jen Rose Smith,
CNN Money,
14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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While public institutions can sometimes be scientific, encyclopedic, even cold in their faithfulness to detail, private institutions often have more freedom to take an aesthetic and dynamic approach, and have proven their legitimacy, Simode adds.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
23 Oct. 2025
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The texture feels alive—polished yet dynamic—helping the orris read more like modern tailoring rather than powdery nostalgia.—
Justin Fenner,
Robb Report,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Opportunistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opportunistic. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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