opponent

[ uh-poh-nuhnt ]

noun

1. a person who is on an opposing side in a game, contest, controversy, or the like; adversary.

   Synonyms: antagonist

   Antonyms: friend, ally

adjective

1. being opposite, as in position.
2. opposing; adverse; antagonistic.
3. Anatomy. bringing parts together or into opposition, as a muscle.

opponent

/ əˈpəʊnənt /

noun

1. a person who opposes another in a contest, battle, etc
2. anatomy an opponent muscle

adjective

1. opposite, as in position
2. anatomy (of a muscle) bringing two parts into opposition
3. opposing; contrary

Derived Forms

• opˈponency, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of opponent¹

1580–90; < Latin oppōnent- (stem of oppōnēns, present participle of oppōnere to place over, against, or in front of, make an obstacle), equivalent to op- op- + pōn ( ere ) to place, set, put + -ent- -ent

Word History and Origins

Origin of opponent¹

C16: from Latin oppōnere to oppose, from ob- against + pōnere to place

Synonym Study

Opponent, competitor, rival refer to persons engaged in a contest. Opponent is the most impersonal, meaning merely one who opposes; perhaps one who continually blocks and frustrates or one who happens to be on the opposite side in a temporary contest: an opponent in a debate. Competitor emphasizes the action in striving against another, or others, for a definite, common goal: competitors in business. Rival has both personal and emotional connotations; it emphasizes the idea that (usually) two persons are struggling to attain the same object: rivals for an office.

Example Sentences

Maher also asked liberals to consider the fact that Trump is getting through the holidays just fine and that he "couldn't ask for a better gift" than knowing his opponents were sulking.

From Salon

Double world champions South Africa are the opponents.

From BBC

But the chancellor's opponents in parliament and the press think there's a potentially damaging thread to pull here.

From BBC

United are 13th in the Premier League table, seven points above Sunday's opponents Ipswich Town, who are fourth from bottom.

From BBC

Far-right leader Marine Le Pen called him a “fighter for liberty and a courageous opponent of Islamism.”

From BBC

Related Words

• adversary
• aspirant
• candidate
• challenger
• competitor
• enemy
• foe
• opposition
• player
• rival

More About Opponent

What does opponent mean?

An opponent is someone who is against another person, as in a game, exhibition, or controversy.

Opponent can also sometimes be used to describe being in opposition, as in Felix saw no opponent reason to change his vote.

Example: Our opponent is strong, so don’t do anything reckless during the game.

Where does opponent come from?

The first records of the term opponent come from around 1580. It comes from the Latin oppōnēns, meaning “to place over, against, or in front of.” Similarly, an opponent is someone who goes against or is in front of another.

You’ll see opponent used frequently to describe a team’s rival in a sporting event or a politician’s challenger in an election. But you will also see opponent used more generally to describe someone as an adversary.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to opponent?

• opponency (noun)

What are some synonyms for opponent?

• adversary
• challenger
• competitor
• enemy
• foe

What are some words that share a root or word element with opponent? 

• oppose

What are some words that often get used in discussing opponent?

• enemy
• game
• match
• rival
• team

How is opponent used in real life?

Opponent is a commonly used word that refers to an enemy or competitor.

Proud of my baby daughter placing last in her old-timey, bare-knuckle street fighting class. Congrats to her 31 year old opponent, Rick.

— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) June 7, 2016

Ohio State: First win vs an AP top 5 men’s basketball opponent while @OhioStateHoops were unranked since 2005 vs No. 1 Illinois

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 19, 2015

Sup Kentucky I'm out here in Lexington seeking a qualified smash bros opponent – who dares challenge me? Come fight me tnite Cosmic Charlies

— GHASTLY(◕,,,◕) (@Ghastly) September 14, 2016

 

 

Try using opponent!

True or False?

An adversary can also be called an opponent.