opponent

1 of 2

noun

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

opponent

2 of 2

adjective

1

: antagonistic, opposing

2

: situated in front

Synonyms

Noun

• adversary
• antagonist
• foe
• rival

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

Noun

Again, is this Kansas City’s credit or the opponents’ blame? —Michael Salfino, The Athletic, 12 Dec. 2024

Since the announcement of Patel’s nomination, most concern has centered on the idea that, under his leadership, the F.B.I. would launch criminal investigations of Trump’s political opponents and media critics. —Beverly Gage, The New Yorker, 11 Dec. 2024

Adjective

Transgender rights supporters and opponent rally outside of the Supreme Court as the high court hears arguments in the United States v. Skrmetti case, on December 3, 2024,Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images This post originally appeared on The 19th. —Orion Rummler and Shefali Luthra, Them, 4 Dec. 2024

Alabama enters this game 17th in scoring offense and 10th in scoring defense while Auburn ranks 59th in points per game and 29th in opponent points per game. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from Medieval Latin oppōnent-, oppōnens "one who proposes something for discussion," from present participle of Latin oppōnere "to place as an obstacle, set in opposition to, argue in reply" — more at oppose

Adjective

borrowed from Latin oppōnent-, oppōnens, present participle of oppōnere "to place as an obstacle, set in opposition to, argue in reply" — more at oppose

First Known Use

Noun

1553, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

opponent

noun

op·​po·​nent

ə-ˈpō-nənt

: a person or thing that opposes another

Medical Definition

opponent

noun

op·​po·​nent ə-ˈpō-nənt 

: a muscle that opposes or counteracts and limits the action of another