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.

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opposite number British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of opposite number

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Mekies and his opposite number at McLaren, Andrea Stella, both agree that a hardware change is needed to go the full distance.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

"I said 'you have to get hold of George Robertson'. I think they thought that was a bit strange because George was my opposite number who spent his life making my life difficult."

From BBC • Mar. 7, 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 stand under the trees for a while, opposite number twenty- three.

From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins

Related Words

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