noun
opponent
uh-POH-nuhnt
noun
1
A person who competes against or opposes someone else, as in a game, contest, or argument.
"She shook hands with her opponent after the match."
"His political opponents criticized the new policy."
How to Use Opponent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone on the other side — in a game, a debate, a fight, or an election.
Common pairings
political opponent
formidable opponent
defeat an opponent
Word Forms
more opponent comparative, opponents plural, most opponent superlative
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She shook hands with her _____ after the match.
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin opponens, "opposing," from oppono, "to oppose."