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
Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Similarly, no Villa player has received as many passes in high areas, with Emery constructing a build-up style designed to funnel the ball past the opponents’ midfield and in to Rogers.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 14 Apr. 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
Just because of his style, Muhammad hasn't been much of a finisher to date in his MMA career, but he's got the kind of style that's great for breaking down opponents over time.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Similarly, no Villa player has received as many passes in high areas, with Emery constructing a build-up style designed to funnel the ball past the opponents’ midfield and in to Rogers.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 14 Apr. 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 22 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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