1
as in foes
one that takes a position opposite another in a competition or conflict
in martial arts, before the match begins, always bow to your opponent
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in enemies
one that is hostile toward another
the senator has many political opponents who would love to ruin his career
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of opponents
For some observers, the lesson from Hungary is that Netanyahu’s opponents should look to his own camp for a candidate to unseat him.
—
Deborah Danan, Sun Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2026
On the day of Lincoln’s election, the Wide Awakes patrolled polling places under the pretense of protecting democracy, while opponents viewed it as voter intimidation.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 27 Apr. 2026
Setting themselves apart from their opponents on the Interstate 77 toll lane debacle and establishing a reputation as a coalition builder, according to two former City Council members on opposite sides of the aisle.
—Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2026
Over time, opponents to development have increasingly filed CEQA lawsuits to block and delay a wide variety of projects, often having little to do with environmental issues.
—Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2026
What are the Flyers without the crazy-eyed mascot that is always getting up to some shenanigans — like tossing a plush version of his opponents' mascot down the stadium stairs mid-game.
—Kaitlyn McCormick, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
The Hawks are 27-25 against Eastern Conference opponents.
—ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
One of the opponents of Nazism was the writer and translator Viktor Klemperer.
—Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026
Alaves are happy to chase their opponents up the pitch, Mallorca are more comfortable sitting back, while Sevilla have adopted a direct approach since Luis Garcia Plaza took over in March.
—Thom Harris, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
Deborah Danan, Sun Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2026
On the day of Lincoln’s election, the Wide Awakes patrolled polling places under the pretense of protecting democracy, while opponents viewed it as voter intimidation.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 27 Apr. 2026
Setting themselves apart from their opponents on the Interstate 77 toll lane debacle and establishing a reputation as a coalition builder, according to two former City Council members on opposite sides of the aisle.
—Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2026
Over time, opponents to development have increasingly filed CEQA lawsuits to block and delay a wide variety of projects, often having little to do with environmental issues.
—Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2026
What are the Flyers without the crazy-eyed mascot that is always getting up to some shenanigans — like tossing a plush version of his opponents' mascot down the stadium stairs mid-game.
—Kaitlyn McCormick, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
The Hawks are 27-25 against Eastern Conference opponents.
—ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
One of the opponents of Nazism was the writer and translator Viktor Klemperer.
—Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026
Alaves are happy to chase their opponents up the pitch, Mallorca are more comfortable sitting back, while Sevilla have adopted a direct approach since Luis Garcia Plaza took over in March.
—Thom Harris, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opponents
Noun
-
So, future Big 12 foes, pick your poison.—
Brendan Marks,
New York Times,
24 Apr. 2026
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California’s trial attorneys and Uber — longtime courtroom foes — are officially bringing their fight to the November ballot.—
Rebecca Ellis,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In large part because the only feeling more satisfying than defeating your enemies is that of defeating your friends.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
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Nematodes and aphids, the two enemies of summer gardens, will stay away from your lettuce thanks to marigolds, but there's one more insect benefit.—
Heather Bien,
The Spruce,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Liverpool would wriggle their way back to the top of the table by March, only for the campaign to fall apart after five defeats in seven matches, a run that allowed Merseyside rivals Everton to win the league for the second time in three seasons.—
Simon Hughes,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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Colombian presidential candidate Iván Cepeda consolidated his lead in the most recent poll and would defeat both conservative rivals in a runoff scenario, five weeks ahead of the vote.—
Oscar Medina,
Bloomberg,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Such a gathering could have been targeted by foreign adversaries or others with far more experience, less regard for human life and much greater firepower than Allen, experts said.—
Kevin Rector,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Apr. 2026
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Foreign adversaries and the Federal Reserve have begun using this phrase in official communications.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
When Beijing wishes to shape the outcome of a transaction, signal displeasure, or slow the advance of foreign competitors in strategic sectors, antitrust enforcement has proven an effective tool.—
Dewardric L. McNeal,
CNBC,
28 Apr. 2026
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Chevy Bolt's electric hatchback has a huge advantage over some competitors as the least expensive new EV.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Opponents.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opponents. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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