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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of opponent
Even Howard’s political and ideological opponents view the reforms as a moment of unity.
—
Oscar Schwartz,
New Yorker,
29 June 2026
After Johnson directly introduced the ordinance into the Housing Committee, a rare move designed to prevent opponents from delaying debate, aldermen now stand between the two opposing sides.
—
Jake Sheridan,
Chicago Tribune,
29 June 2026
Larson has clashed chiefly with Bronin — rather than his other two opponents — during the campaign.
—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
28 June 2026
Gray didn't dwell much on the opponent despite his history with New York.
—
ABC News,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for opponent
Oscar Schwartz,
New Yorker,
29 June 2026
After Johnson directly introduced the ordinance into the Housing Committee, a rare move designed to prevent opponents from delaying debate, aldermen now stand between the two opposing sides.
—
Jake Sheridan,
Chicago Tribune,
29 June 2026
Larson has clashed chiefly with Bronin — rather than his other two opponents — during the campaign.
—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
28 June 2026
Gray didn't dwell much on the opponent despite his history with New York.
—
ABC News,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for opponent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opponent
Noun
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Unrestricted free agents Marcus Smart, 32, and Luke Kennard, 30, agreed to deals with Western Conference foes.
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There is so much evil and suffering in the world, so much conniving and malicious intent, and the self is, at least, a familiar foe.
Noun
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His death in an enemy attack plays into a powerful Shi'ite tradition of martyrdom and mourning, in which processions of flagellants beat their chests or backs.
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The day for battle is near, many of our enemies are arming themselves.
Noun
-
The South American rivals may just end up facing each other in a week.
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Adding another defender became even more important after guard Marcus Smart signed with Western Conference rival Houston.
Noun
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Once Puma reached space as well, the vehicles were tasked with rapid acquisition, rendezvousing and assessment operations to simulate the interception and characterization of potential adversary spacecraft.
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After losing their cattle to disease, the two joined fellow rancher Beulah Jackson (Annette Bening), initially a major adversary, and her 10 Petal Ranch.
Cite this Entry
“Opponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opponent. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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