What does "opponent" mean?
One who opposes another; one who works or takes a position against someone or something; one who attempts to stop the progress of someone or something.
Opponent
/əˈpəʊ.nənt/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: One who opposes another; one who works or takes a position against someone or something; one who attempts to stop the progress of someone or something.
- Grammar: opponent is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: adversary, antagonist, opposer, opposite.
- Useful contrasts: gilbertian, handelian, huxleian.
- Usage evidence: The manager balanced the strength of his team against that of their opponent and sighed.
How to use "opponent"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "opponent" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "opponent" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "opponent" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "opponent" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "opponent" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "adversary" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "opponent", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 One who opposes another; one who works or takes a position against someone or something; one who attempts to stop the progress of someone or something.
"The person who ran against her in the last election proved to be a formidable opponent."
- 2 someone who offers opposition wordnet
- 3 One who opposes another; one who works or takes a position against someone or something; one who attempts to stop the progress of someone or something.; One who opposes another physically (in a fight, sport, game, or competition).
"1720, Alexander Pope, The Iliad of Homer, London: Bernard Lintott, Volume 6, “Observations on the Twenty-Third Book,” no. 39, p. 136, In the Chariot-Race Achilles is represented as being able to conquer every Opponent […]"
- 4 a contestant that you are matched against wordnet
- 5 One who opposes another; one who works or takes a position against someone or something; one who attempts to stop the progress of someone or something.; One who opposes another in words (in a dispute, argument or controversy).
"It is easier to confound than to convince an opponent; the former may be effected by a turn that has more happiness than truth in it."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 One who opposes another; one who works or takes a position against someone or something; one who attempts to stop the progress of someone or something.; One who is opposed or objects (to a policy, course of action or set of ideas).
"She was a dedicated opponent of the death penalty."
- 7 One who opposes another; one who works or takes a position against someone or something; one who attempts to stop the progress of someone or something.; The participant who opens an academic debate by putting forward objections to a theological or philosophical thesis. historical
"We make the argument appere slender, when we receiue it laughyngly, and declare by wordes, euen at the first, that it is nothyng to the purpose, and so abashe the opponent."
Adjective
- 1 Opposing; adverse; antagonistic. obsolete
"[…] we are to consider enemies as men opponent to peace and justice, and to these they are by warrs to be reduced; And no other ends in the pursuite of enemies by sword and hostile Acts are to be sought for […]"
- 2 Situated in front; opposite. obsolete
"Her sympathizing Lover takes his Stand High on th’ opponent Bank […]"
Adjective
- 1 characterized by active hostility wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"The manager balanced the strength of his team against that of their opponent and sighed."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "opponent"?
Common synonyms include: adversary, antagonist, opposer, opposite, adversarial, adversaries.
How do you use "opponent" in a sentence?
The manager balanced the strength of his team against that of their opponent and sighed.
How do you pronounce "opponent"?
Pronounced /əˈpəʊ.nənt/.
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin oppōnēns (“opposing”), present active participle of oppōnō (“I oppose”).