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

Sky Sports pointed to the fact that former Swansea player Ashley Williams was one of their pundits, while Swans boss Vitor Matos - like opposite number Phil Parkinson - was interviewed before the game.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 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