Dictionary › O › opponent
opponent
3 syllablesYour browser doesn’t have built-in voices. Try Chrome, Edge or Safari.
As a noun, opponent means one who opposes another. As an adjective, it means characterized by active hostility.
Meanings of opponent
10 meaningsnoun
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.”
“During the crackdown, many opponents of the regime were arrested.”
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.”
A contestant that you are matched againstperson
Similar: opposition, oppositeSomeone who offers oppositionperson
Similar: adversary, antagonist, opposer, resister
Older and rare meanings (1)
historicalThe participant who opens an academic debate by putting forward objections to a theological or philosophical thesis.
adjective
Older and rare meanings (2)
obsoleteOpposing; adverse; antagonistic.
obsoleteSituated in front; opposite.
Meanings from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).