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.

See Examples For:

opponents

Becerra emerged from the primary ahead of more progressive opponents, including billionaire environmentalist Tom Steyer, and quickly earned the backing of their onetime supporters, said IGS Poll Director Mark DiCamillo.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 13, 2026

Project opponents, including a tribal council and environmental groups, sued last year over the venture’s Clean Water Act permit, citing the potential effect on belugas, among other environmental concerns.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 12, 2026

But the deal, which opponents say was negotiated behind closed doors with local officials, gives the firm until July 2027 to complete the work.

From Barron's ● Aug. 11, 2026

The opponents of Fulham and Chelsea - Wimbledon and Luton respectively - are in League One action on the Saturday after the ties.

From BBC ● Aug. 10, 2026

Ready to battle, they are, nonetheless, honorable opponents.

From "Black Brother, Black Brother" by Jewell Parker Rhodes