Opponent — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun adjective /ə-ˈpō-nənt/ op·po·nent

Meaning & Definition of Opponent

Opponent (noun)

  1. one that takes an opposite position (as in a debate, contest, or conflict)
  2. a muscle that opposes or counteracts and limits the action of another

Opponent (adjective)

  1. antagonistic, opposing
  2. situated in front

Opponent (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. one that takes a position opposite another in a competition or conflict

    "in martial arts, before the match begins, always bow to your opponent"

    similar: adversary, antagonist, foe, rival
    related: equal, match, enemy, archenemy, nemesis, competitor, contestant, bane, bête noire, curse, assailant, attacker, combatant, invader
    near: accomplice, ally, confederate, partner, advocate, champion, exponent, proponent, supporter, sympathizer

  2. one that is hostile toward another

    "the senator has many political opponents who would love to ruin his career"

    similar: adversary, antagonist, enemy, foe, hostile
    related: archenemy, archfoe, nemesis, ill-wisher, bane, bête noire, assailant, attacker, combatant, invader, competitor, emulator, rival
    opposite: amigo, friend
    near: buddy, chum, compadre, crony, fellow, hail-fellow, hail-fellow-well-met, hearty, hobnobber, mate, musketeer, pal, abettor, accomplice, ally, collaborator, colleague, comrade, confederate, friendly, partner, adherent, disciple, follower, backer, benefactor, exponent, supporter, sympathizer, well-wisher

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Opponent

The most common words with a similar meaning to Opponent:

adversary, antagonist, foe, rival, enemy, hostile

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Opponent

Words with the opposite meaning of Opponent:

amigo, friend

Related Words for Opponent

equal, match, archenemy, nemesis, competitor, contestant, bane, bête noire, curse, assailant, attacker, combatant, invader, archfoe, ill-wisher, emulator

Near Antonyms of Opponent

accomplice, ally, confederate, partner, advocate, champion, exponent, proponent, supporter, sympathizer, buddy, chum, compadre, crony, fellow, hail-fellow, hail-fellow-well-met, hearty, hobnobber, mate, musketeer, pal, abettor, collaborator, colleague, comrade, friendly, adherent, disciple, follower

Origin & Etymology of Opponent

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" oppose

First known use: 1553

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Opponent

Frequently Asked Questions about Opponent

What does "Opponent" mean?

"Opponent" means one that takes an opposite position (as in a debate, contest, or conflict). As an a noun and an adjective, it is defined as: one that takes an opposite position (as in a debate, contest, or conflict). It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Opponent"?

Other words for "Opponent" include adversary, antagonist, foe, rival, enemy and hostile. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Opponent" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Opponent"?

There are 22 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Opponent". Common alternatives include adversary, antagonist, foe, rival, enemy and hostile.

What is the opposite of "Opponent"?

Antonyms of "Opponent" include amigo and friend. Near antonyms include accomplice, ally, confederate and partner.

How do you use "Opponent" in a sentence?

Examples of "Opponent" in a sentence: "in martial arts, before the match begins, always bow to your opponent"; "the senator has many political opponents who would love to ruin his career".

Is "Opponent" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Opponent" can be used as a noun and an adjective, depending on the context.

Is "Opponent" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Opponent" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Opponent"?

"Opponent" is pronounced /ə-ˈpō-nənt/ and divided into syllables as op·po·nent.