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View synonyms for

opponent

[ uh-poh-nuhnt ]

noun

  1. a person who is on an opposing side in a game, contest, controversy, or the like; adversary.

    Synonyms:

    Antonyms: ,



adjective

  1. being opposite, as in position.
  2. opposing; adverse; antagonistic.
  3. Anatomy. bringing parts together or into opposition, as a muscle.

opponent

/ əˈəʊəԳ /

noun

  1. a person who opposes another in a contest, battle, etc
  2. anatomy an opponent muscle
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. opposite, as in position
  2. anatomy (of a muscle) bringing two parts into opposition
  3. opposing; contrary
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • DZˈDzԱԳ, noun
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yvlog History and Origins

Origin of opponent1

1580–90; < Latin DZōԱԳ- (stem of DZōŧԲ, present participle of DZōԱ to place over, against, or in front of, make an obstacle), equivalent to op- op- + ō ( ere ) to place, set, put + -ent- -ent
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yvlog History and Origins

Origin of opponent1

C16: from Latin DZōԱ to oppose, from ob- against + ōere to place
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Synonym Study

Opponent, competitor, rival refer to persons engaged in a contest. Opponent is the most impersonal, meaning merely one who opposes; perhaps one who continually blocks and frustrates or one who happens to be on the opposite side in a temporary contest: an opponent in a debate. Competitor emphasizes the action in striving against another, or others, for a definite, common goal: competitors in business. Rival has both personal and emotional connotations; it emphasizes the idea that (usually) two persons are struggling to attain the same object: rivals for an office.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

"We're getting closer to how we want to play against different opponents. We also know a lot can change quickly."

From

Forest are not an easy opponent for Villa but they are definitely not as threatening without injured striker Chris Wood.

From

"We knew he was a risk, but we thought he gave us the best chance of beating our opponent," Kim said.

From

But opponents argue it's being used as a cheaper alternative to providing adequate social or medical support.

From

Ordaz also showed a bit of moxie midway through the first half Wednesday when he tangled with veteran Miami defender Maximiliano Falcón, who baited his young opponent all game.

From

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More About Opponent

What doesopponent mean?

An opponent is someone who is against another person, as in a game, exhibition, or controversy.

Opponent can also sometimes be used to describe being in opposition, as in Felix saw no opponent reason to change his vote.

Example: Our opponent is strong, so don’t do anything reckless during the game.

Where doesopponent come from?

The first records of the term opponent come from around 1580. It comes from the Latin DZōŧԲ, meaning “to place over, against, or in front of.” Similarly, an opponent is someone who goes against or is in front of another.

You’ll see opponent used frequently to describe a team’s rival in a sporting event or a politician’s challenger in an election. But you will also see opponent used more generally to describe someone as an adversary.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to opponent?

What are some synonyms for opponent?

What are some words that share a root or word element with opponent?

What are some words that often get used in discussing opponent?

How isopponent used in real life?

Opponent is a commonly used word that refers to an enemy or competitor.

Try usingopponent!

True or False?

An adversary can also be called an opponent.

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