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

Other Word Forms

• opponency 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

It’s the way his height and defensive awareness disrupts any opponent’s offensive mojo.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Despite the economic progress under Ouattara, his opponents hope to capitalise on complaints from many of the country's poor, who are not feeling the benefits of the rapid growth.

Read more on BBC

The New York City mayoral candidates got in their last licks Wednesday night at the final debate before the Nov. 4 election, with the three contenders taking jabs at their opponents.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The message of the ad was to trust Netanyahu and not his opponent.

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As the opponent started their run up, it was the planting of Hampton's foot closest to the side she was diving towards that was key to her success.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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

When To Use

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.