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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of opponent
Slotkin had taken an early lead over her Republican opponent, former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, who is celebrating at Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.
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Dana Afana, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024
The results come just two years after a slate of candidates backed by Fishers One swept their four opponents, taking control of the school board.
—Jake Allen, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Nov. 2024
Some Trump opponents attempted to launch a boycott of The Home Depot in 2016 and in 2019 because of Marcus’ support of the Republican nominee for president.
—Jordan Valinsky, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
Neither proponents nor opponents of the rule changes seemed fully satisfied following a Tuesday board meeting.
—CBS News, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for opponent 
Dana Afana, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024
The results come just two years after a slate of candidates backed by Fishers One swept their four opponents, taking control of the school board.
—Jake Allen, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Nov. 2024
Some Trump opponents attempted to launch a boycott of The Home Depot in 2016 and in 2019 because of Marcus’ support of the Republican nominee for president.
—Jordan Valinsky, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
Neither proponents nor opponents of the rule changes seemed fully satisfied following a Tuesday board meeting.
—CBS News, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for opponent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opponent
Noun
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Friends, allies and foes The feeling of anticipation is palpable in Washington’s great rival, Beijing.Alexander Smith, NBC News, 4 Nov. 2024
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The 2024 election is heading for a photo finish, and Democrats believe their foes just gave them a critical leg up.Andrew Solender, Axios, 30 Oct. 2024
Noun
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Our job is to give readers an independent, verifiable account of what’s happening, even if the president is calling us enemies of the people or bloodsuckers.Stephen Engelberg, ProPublica, 6 Nov. 2024
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Loos uses a specific enemy, the Aeshi Nero, as a prime example of what the team is going for.Jason Fanelli, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Several of them pointed to his lack of follow-through on jailing his 2016 rival Hillary Clinton, while others say his ultimate retribution would be a successful term in office with a solid economy.William Gavin, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
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Before the bye week, Cal delivered its most complete performance of the season, a 44-7 non-conference rout of former Pac-12 rival Oregon State.Jeff Faraudo, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024
Noun
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And, just as significantly, this argument de-emphasizes the possibility of collaborating with adversaries on limiting military AI systems, favoring arms race over arms control.Nir Eisikovits, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024
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The United States was open for business to its adversaries, without reciprocation.Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 7 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near opponent
Cite this Entry
“Opponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opponent. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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