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Definition of opponent

opponent

/əˈpoʊnənt/
op · po · nent
Plural:opponents
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opponent Lexical Profile

opponent Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Someone who competes against or fights another in a contest, game, or argument; a rival or adversary.

Example

"She studied her opponent's previous chess matches to prepare for the championship tournament."

2

A person who disagrees with or resists a proposal, policy, system, or belief.

Example

"Opponents of the zoning bill argued that the new commercial development would increase neighborhood traffic."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• adjective

1

Situated opposite or acting in opposition; opposing or antagonistic.

Example

"The muscle groups act in opponent pairs to control the precise flexion and extension of the joint."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for opponent

• Nearby Words

opium
oporto
opossum
opponent
opportune
opportunism
opportunist

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from Latin opponentem, the present participle of opponere ('to set against' or 'to oppose'), formed from ob- ('against') and ponere ('to place' or 'put').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Opponent. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/opponent
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