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

Derived Forms

• opˈponency, 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

There’s always a chance of a letdown, but that’s unlikely at home against a two-win opponent.

From Los Angeles Times

When Paul called his opponent's comments "cute", Tyson was either not listening or chose to ignore him.

From BBC

Maybe it was a sign that time, the opponent he’d never lost to, was going to claim its eventual victory.

From Los Angeles Times

Ian Bassin: First, let’s talk about what it means to have someone elected through a democratic process who has shown themselves to be fundamentally an opponent of the democratic process.

From Slate

All the major news networks have declared Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., the victor in her re-election race, but her GOP opponent is refusing to concede.

From Salon

Related Words

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