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

Other Word Forms

• opponency 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

With the safety net of a quarter-final place already assured, they will road-test against, on world ranking at least, their strongest opponents so far.

From BBC

During every road trip, Russell would bring along a jug full of its brown water with him to sprinkle on the opponent’s field.

From Los Angeles Times

How Democrats navigate these questions may determine whether the party sets the terms of debate on Israel, or cedes the fight to its opponents.

From Salon

While she posed a greater threat this time around, the same opponent proved too resolute in the crucial moments.

From BBC

Political opponents have described them as a waste of time and money, while some within the SNP have argued for a more radical approach to securing independence.

From BBC

Related Words

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

When To Use

What does opponent mean?

An opponent is someone who is against another person, as in a game, exhibition, or controversy.Opponent can also sometimes be used to describe being in opposition, as in Felix saw no opponent reason to change his vote.Example: Our opponent is strong, so don’t do anything reckless during the game.