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

See Examples For:

opposite number

Rulli famously scored a penalty in Villarreal's 2021 Europa League final victory over Manchester United, before denying opposite number David de Gea to decide the marathon shootout.

From BBC ● Aug. 8, 2026

Fiji were rocked and following a speculative Hawkins kick, Ravutaumada was inexplicably caught napping by Adams as he picked the pocket of his opposite number to score.

From BBC ● Jul. 4, 2026

But not to be outdone by his opposite number, Jordan hit back for the hosts with a fine finish, dotting down in the corner despite Theo Attissogbe's last-ditch attempt to shove him into touch.

From BBC ● Jul. 4, 2026

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann described the match in Houston as a meeting of "David and Goliath" while his opposite number Dick Advocaat believes his charges can "steal some points".

From Barron's ● Jun. 14, 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