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
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
Chantz Martin, Fox News, 16 Mar. 2025
Up next for the Penguins, who have outscored their opponents 18-9 on this winning streak, is a home game on Tuesday against the Islanders.
—Josh Yohe, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 2025
Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
The Razorbacks rank No. 72 in opponent 3-point percentage (31.9).
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opponent
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Noun
In the postgame handshake line, the younger Herro had a heated exchange with an opponent.
—Chantz Martin, Fox News, 16 Mar. 2025
Up next for the Penguins, who have outscored their opponents 18-9 on this winning streak, is a home game on Tuesday against the Islanders.
—Josh Yohe, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
The Pistons rank second in the association in opponent field-goal percentage (44.9), third in blocks per game (5.8) and fourth in points off turnovers (19.4).
—Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
The Razorbacks rank No. 72 in opponent 3-point percentage (31.9).
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opponent
Cite this Entry
“Opponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opponent. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
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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