opponent
uh-POH-nuhnt
Opponent (noun) means a person who competes against or opposes someone else, as in a game, contest, or argument. Example: “Our opponents in the chess final played very carefully and made few mistakes.”
noun
1
A person who competes against or opposes someone else, as in a game, contest, or argument.
"Our opponents in the chess final played very carefully and made few mistakes."
"She shook hands with her opponent after the match."
"His political opponents criticized the new policy."
How to use opponent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone on the other side — in a game, a debate, a fight, or an election.
Common pairings
political opponent
formidable opponent
defeat an opponent
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Word forms
- Plural
- opponents
- Comparative
- more opponent
- Superlative
- most opponent
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Our _____ in the chess final played very carefully and made few mistakes.
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin opponens, "opposing," from oppono, "to oppose."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for opponent
See all rhymes for opponent →Frequently asked questions
What does “opponent” mean?
The word “opponent” means a person who competes against or opposes someone else, as in a game, contest, or argument. In plain terms, someone on the other side — in a game, a debate, a fight, or an election.
How do you pronounce “opponent”?
“Opponent” is pronounced uh-POH-nuhnt (/əˈpəʊ.nənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “opponent” in a sentence?
Here is “opponent” used in a sentence: “She shook hands with her opponent after the match.”
What is another word for “opponent”?
Words with a similar meaning to “opponent” include adversary and antagonist.
What is the opposite of “opponent”?
The opposite of “opponent” — its antonyms — are supporter, proponent, advocate and respondent.
What part of speech is “opponent”?
“Opponent” is a noun.
Where does the word “opponent” come from?
The word “opponent” comes from Latin. Borrowed from Latin opponens, "opposing," from oppono, "to oppose.".
Is “opponent” a common word?
“Opponent” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between "opponent" and "proponent"?
They are near-opposites. An "opponent" competes against or opposes someone or something, while a "proponent" supports or argues in favour of it. A proponent of a plan backs it; an opponent of the plan resists it.
What is the difference between "opponent" and "enemy"?
An "opponent" is someone you compete against in a game, contest, or argument, often with mutual respect. An "enemy" implies deeper hostility and a wish to do harm. Opponents can be friendly rivals; enemies usually are not.
What is the difference between "opponent" and "adversary"?
Both describe someone on the opposing side. "Opponent" is neutral and common in sport and debate, while "adversary" is more formal and suggests a serious or determined rival.
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