opponents

NOUN

person with whom one competes

Synonyms

STRONGEST

adversary aspirant candidate challenger competitor enemy foe opposition player rival

STRONG

antagonist anti assailant bandit bidder con contestant disputant entrant litigant match opposer

WEAK

counteragent dark horse dissentient oppugnant

Antonyms

STRONGEST

ally assistant friend helper

WEAK

associate colleague

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

So comfortable with the ball at their feet, so much better than their underdog opponents.

From BBC • Jun. 20, 2026

This includes players who are "clearly only focused on opponents and making a holding action".

From BBC • Jun. 19, 2026

Housing opponents were able to delay building projects by filing a host of environmental lawsuits, including frivolous ones.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 17, 2026

Say what you will about UFC fighters, but at least the weight class means they’re required to take on opponents who can fight back.

From Salon • Jun. 17, 2026

Bobby’s opponents were not necessarily the strongest in the tournament, nor were they the weakest.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady