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
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
Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 18 Sep. 2025
Critics say that Trump is using Kirk's assassination as a pretext to crack down on political opponents.
—Trevor Hunnicutt, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 2025
The first is advanced perception that tracks opponent cars at every moment in time, and also predicts their trajectory.
—Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opponent
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Noun
Although Lerner later resigned, the controversy became a lasting symbol of what Republicans call the weaponization of government against ideological opponents.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 18 Sep. 2025
Critics say that Trump is using Kirk's assassination as a pretext to crack down on political opponents.
—Trevor Hunnicutt, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Instead, this is an ice hockey-style slide-and-bump affair; hitting an opponent from the side simply gives an annoying temporary jolt (which also disrupts their shooting motion) while hitting an opponent head-on forces a loose ball turnover and a mad scramble for the ball.
—Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 2025
The first is advanced perception that tracks opponent cars at every moment in time, and also predicts their trajectory.
—Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opponent
Cite this Entry
“Opponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opponent. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
opponent
noun
op·po·nent
ə-ˈpō-nənt
: a muscle that opposes or counteracts and limits the action of another
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