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
Coincidentally, the Yankees' opponent in the 2024 World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers, are also in talks with manager Dave Roberts on an extension.
—
Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
Two other non-conference opponents, Arkansas and Louisiana Tech, made the postseason last year.
—Tanner Spearman, arkansasonline.com, 14 Feb. 2025
In any case, Spanberger could be a formidable opponent.
—Ross O'Keefe, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Feb. 2025
Driving the news: Berger has successfully staved off challengers for more than two decades, but Page could prove to be a formidable primary opponent should the two face off next year.
—Lucille Sherman, Axios, 14 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for opponent 
Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
Two other non-conference opponents, Arkansas and Louisiana Tech, made the postseason last year.
—Tanner Spearman, arkansasonline.com, 14 Feb. 2025
In any case, Spanberger could be a formidable opponent.
—Ross O'Keefe, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Feb. 2025
Driving the news: Berger has successfully staved off challengers for more than two decades, but Page could prove to be a formidable primary opponent should the two face off next year.
—Lucille Sherman, Axios, 14 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for opponent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opponent
Noun
-
Thus the ending of the old monarch was properly marked by friends and foes alike.—
Contributed Content,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
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The senior battled in the post, fronting and denying his much taller foe both good position and the ball in the fourth quarter of a pivotal Oakland Athletic League game.—
Christian Babcock,
The Mercury News,
6 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Do Trump and Vance and their administration regard Ukraine as an ally and Putin’s Russia as an enemy?—
Jay Nordlinger,
National Review,
18 Feb. 2025
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At the conclusion of the Spanish Civil War (1936-39), dictator Francisco Franco declared victory and punished everyone who had opposed him: imprisonment or execution for those at the top of his enemies list and a purge in employment possibilities for others.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Their most recent appearance was at the 2023 Super Bowl against tonight's rival, the Kansas City Chiefs.—
Lucia Suarez Sang,
CBS News,
9 Feb. 2025
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Barkley wound up signing a three-year contract, worth $37.75 million that includes $26 million guaranteed, with Philly, New York’s division rival.—
Sean Gregory,
TIME,
8 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Forcing allies into payments undermines trust within the alliance and signals that U.S. commitments are unreliable, emboldening adversaries.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
14 Feb. 2025
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The big picture: No country — ally or adversary — is immune.—
Courtenay Brown,
Axios,
14 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near opponent
Cite this Entry
“Opponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opponent. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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