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
Joe Reedy, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2025
Whether that will involve Paul or another opponent remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Logan Paul is positioning himself as a major force in WWE, even if his journey to the top may come with some detours.
—Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
Vic Tafur, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
The team finished with an NFL-worst 3,057 rushing yards allowed in 2024; was last in opponent yards per rush (5.2); and was 32nd in rush touchdowns per game at 1.4.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for opponent 
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Noun
The defense allowed 414 points, fifth most in the league, and surrendered a touchdown on 67.9% of opponent’s red-zone possessions, the third-worst rate in the NFL.
—Joe Reedy, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2025
Whether that will involve Paul or another opponent remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Logan Paul is positioning himself as a major force in WWE, even if his journey to the top may come with some detours.
—Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
Against those in-breaking routes, the Kansas City defense led the NFL in opponent completion percentage (50 percent) and yards per attempt (6.8) and ranked third in passer rating allowed on such throws (64.4).
—Vic Tafur, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
The team finished with an NFL-worst 3,057 rushing yards allowed in 2024; was last in opponent yards per rush (5.2); and was 32nd in rush touchdowns per game at 1.4.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for opponent
Dictionary Entries Near opponent
Cite this Entry
“Opponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opponent. Accessed 27 Jan. 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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