opponent Meaning & Definition
What Does Opponent Mean?
Opponent is used as a noun meaning 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. It is also used to mean One who opposes another physically (in a fight, sport, game, or competition). As an adjective, it means Opposing; adverse; antagonistic.
Quick Facts About Opponent
| Part of speech | noun, adjective |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //əˈpəʊ.nənt// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | opposition, hostile and opposite |
| Antonyms | supporter, proponent and advocate |
| Plural | opponents |
| Comparative / superlative | more opponent, most opponent |
Opponent Definition (Noun)
- 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.
- One who opposes another physically (in a fight, sport, game, or competition).
- One who opposes another in words (in a dispute, argument or controversy).
- 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.
- The participant who opens an academic debate by putting forward objections to a theological or philosophical thesis.
Opponent as an Adjective
- Opposing; adverse; antagonistic.
- Situated in front; opposite.
Synonyms of Opponent
Opponent synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Opponent
Opponent in a Sentence
The person who ran against her in the last election proved to be a formidable opponent.
During the crackdown, many opponents of the regime were arrested.
She was a dedicated opponent of the death penalty.
Word Forms & Grammar
opponent (plural opponents)
opponent (comparative more opponent, superlative most opponent)
Words That Rhyme With Opponent
Origin of Opponent
Borrowed from Latin oppōnēns (“opposing”), present active participle of oppōnō (“to oppose”).
Pronouncing Opponent
Opponent is pronounced //əˈpəʊ.nənt// and has 1 syllable.
Quick Answers About Opponent
Is opponent a noun or an adjective?
Opponent is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as an adjective.
What is another word for opponent?
You can replace opponent with words such as opposition, hostile and opposite. See the full list of opponent synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of opponent?
The opposite of opponent can be expressed with words like supporter, proponent, advocate and respondent.
What is the plural of opponent?
The plural of opponent is opponents.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of opponent?
The comparative form is more opponent and the superlative form is most opponent.