op·po·nent
ə-ˈpō-nənt 
1
: one that takes an opposite position (as in a debate, contest, or conflict)
She is a formidable opponent in the race for senator.
opponents of the war
2
: a muscle that opposes or counteracts and limits the action of another
1
2
: situated in front
Synonyms
Examples of opponent in a Sentence
Noun
She is a formidable opponent in the race for senator.
The team's opponents have not lost a game this season.
He knocked out his opponent in the third round.
Recent Examples on the Web
Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 18 Apr. 2024
The Aztecs’ staff leads the conference in strikeouts (335) and opponent batting average (.260), but also in walks (256) and hit batters (86).
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for opponent 
Noun
But all of Heap's opponents — incumbent Republican Stephen Richer, Republican Don Hiatt and Democrat Tim Stringham — turned in their reports on time.
—Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 18 Apr. 2024
The Aztecs’ staff leads the conference in strikeouts (335) and opponent batting average (.260), but also in walks (256) and hit batters (86).
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for opponent
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'opponent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near opponent
Cite this Entry
“Opponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opponent. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
opponent
noun
op·po·nent
ə-ˈpō-nənt
: a muscle that opposes or counteracts and limits the action of another
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