opposite number

noun

1. counterpart; equivalent.

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

opposite number

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of opposite number¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

A quarter of an hour into Isgro's debut against Bath, Smith cut blind, chipped across field and the winger claimed the ball over the head of his opposite number for a try.

Read more on BBC

The shadow justice secretary also criticised his opposite number for going shopping for a new suit before PMQs, "rather than gripping his department".

Read more on BBC

Cooper flew in on Thursday from Northern Ireland with her German opposite number.

Read more on BBC

Sir Keir was joined by his opposite numbers from Canada, Australia and Iceland.

Read more on BBC

Donald would not be drawn on whether he would have preferred his opposite number, Keegan Bradley, to have named himself as a playing captain.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• antagonist 
• attacker www.thesaurus.com
• competitor 
• enemy 
• foe 
• opponent 
• rival