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
The team's opponents have not lost a game this season.
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
Angela Yang, NBC news, 15 May 2026
As criticism over competitive disparities intensified following the meet, pro-trans activists pushed back with the familiar argument that inclusion matters more than results, while opponents argued female athletes lose opportunities in the process.
—Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026
While both teams have great offenses, UConn also dominated defensively this season, leading college basketball in points allowed and opponent field-goal percentage.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for opponent
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Noun
But the videos have also appeared to bolster his popularity online, which Woolley said could force his opponents to take him more seriously.
—Angela Yang, NBC news, 15 May 2026
As criticism over competitive disparities intensified following the meet, pro-trans activists pushed back with the familiar argument that inclusion matters more than results, while opponents argued female athletes lose opportunities in the process.
—Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
Adjective
That’s huge, as the Jayhawks ranked No. 339 in opponent turnover percentage last season.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026
While both teams have great offenses, UConn also dominated defensively this season, leading college basketball in points allowed and opponent field-goal percentage.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for opponent
Cite this Entry
“Opponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opponent. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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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