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
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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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Created by John Dilworth, the bizarrely endearing Cartoon Network show about an apprehensive pup facing strange foes to protect his beloved owner, Muriel, celebrates its 25th anniversary this month.Carlos Aguilar, IndieWire, 19 Nov. 2024
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But Gulf states have significantly modified their foreign policies since, opting to limit their military interventions and reach out to former foes like Iran, while diversifying alliances in an increasingly multipolar world amid skepticism over the US’ role in the Middle East.Mostafa Salem, Nadeen Ebrahim and Mick Krever, CNN, 6 Nov. 2024
Noun
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The scarcity of essentials means players have to weigh up the risk and reward of every engagement with an enemy.Issy van der Velde, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2024
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Those test-driving the plane will be provided with a mixed-reality headset allowing a 360-degree view flying in-formation while trying to defeat an enemy target.Ashley J. DiMella Fox News, Fox News, 19 Nov. 2024
Noun
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The result contrasted unfavorably with longtime retail rival Walmart Inc., which reported a 5.3 percent comp gain for its U.S. discount business in the quarter, excluding fuel.Evan Clark, WWD, 20 Nov. 2024
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Any such actor might also reasonably assume by default that its rival, dogged by the same uncertainties and facing the same stakes, would be pondering a similar move.Henry A. Kissinger, Foreign Affairs, 18 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
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Cite this Entry
“Opponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opponent. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
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