opposite number

American  

noun

1. counterpart; equivalent.

   New members with an interest in folk art will find their opposite numbers in the association's directory.

---

opposite number British  

noun

1. a person holding an equivalent and corresponding position on another side or situation

---

Etymology

Origin of opposite number

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

It was opposite number Oliver Glasner who ultimately seized the initiative with his substitutions.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

A clumsy collision with opposite number Kyle Steyn while contesting a high ball in the Scotland defeat earned Arundell a 20-minute red card and cost England dear.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2026

There was one sour note for club captain Dupont, though, as he was sent to the sin-bin in the second half for a high tackle on opposite number Thomas Souverbie.

From Barron's • Jan. 24, 2026

He holed out off the left-arm spin of his opposite number Mitchell Santner.

From Barron's • Jan. 21, 2026

I shake with my opposite number, who towers over me and puts me in the shade.

From "I Am the Messenger" by Markus Zusak

Related Words

• antagonist
• attacker
• competitor
• enemy
• foe
• opponent
• rival